Egypt's Minister of State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates' Affairs Nabila Makram announced, on Tuesday, that her ministry will launch an application for learning Arabic language after the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. Makram said that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, the application comes as part of the "Speak Arabic" initiative to introduce the Egyptian culture, history, and language. The minister's remarks came during her participation in a symposium on the presidential "Speak Arabic" initiative, organised by the Academy of the Arabic Language. During the symposium, Makram added that this application targets not only Egyptians living abroad, but also Egyptian students who are studying at international schools. She explained that the "Speak Arabic" initiative aims to broadcast accurate information about Egypt, in addition to broadcasting the important events in the country, including political, sports, cultural, and artistic events. Makram asserted that her ministry has organised camps for Egyptian children abroad to encourage them to speak Arabic. The camps also aimed to talk to them about Egyptian customs and traditions, pointing out that the Ministry of Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Abroad constantly works to communicate with expat Egyptians. Salah Fadl, President of the Academy of the Arabic Language, said that the symposium aims to mobilise Egyptian minds, as the country's expats are a major tool in the development process. This includes economic development, as well as intellectual, cultural, scientific, and linguistic development. He added that Egypt led the enlightenment movement, with the academy playing a great role in this movement, asserting the importance of linking Egyptians abroad with their homeland. Fadl advised every Egyptian abroad to allocate a corner for Arabic books in their personal libraries, as these books will link the second and third generation to their motherland's language and culture. The Ministry of Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs launched the "Speak Arabic" initiative under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, three years ago. It aimed at strengthening the identity and belonging of second- and third-generation children of Egyptians living abroad. Al-Sisi mandated for the ministry to publish educational, informational, and cultural content, broadcasting all current events to the children of Egyptians abroad. This includes all important events in politics, sports, and culture, in order to deliver correct information on the Egyptian issue, as well as reminding national and religious events and their timing. The initiative is considered one of the national initiatives aimed at linking Egyptians abroad with their homeland, teaching them the Arabic language, as well as preserving their identity. It also aims to allow expatriate Egyptians the opportunity to stay in touch with their heritage, customs, traditions, and values.
