The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments is celebrating the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages in promoting human rights for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This year's celebration comes under the theme "Declaration of Human Rights for the Deaf" and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf.
The Ministry of Endowments emphasized its commitment to integrating people with disabilities into society, citing the country's legislative and institutional framework that supports their rights. Egypt's Law No. 10 of 2018 guarantees people with disabilities the right to education, employment, social protection, and rehabilitation. The law also requires government agencies and private sector companies to allocate at least 5% of their jobs to people with disabilities.
The Ministry of Endowments has made significant efforts to employ people with disabilities, confirming that it has fulfilled the required 5% quota in recent recruitment competitions for imams and employees. The ministry has also provided training and qualification programs for people with disabilities to work in various fields, including 32 candidates with disabilities who were trained to work as imams, khateebs, and teachers.
In addition to employment and training, the Ministry of Endowments provides social protection and support to people with disabilities. The ministry offers a loan program with no interest or administrative fees, providing up to 25,000 Egyptian pounds to support people with disabilities. This program is part of the ministry's efforts to promote social welfare and support vulnerable groups.
The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is also working to make religious knowledge more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The council has produced publications and materials that explain the meanings of the Quran in sign language, as well as other materials for children and young people. These efforts aim to promote social inclusion and provide equal access to knowledge and education.
The Ministry of Endowments emphasized that its efforts to support people with disabilities are part of its broader commitment to promoting human dignity and social justice. The ministry believes that people with disabilities are active partners in building society and that their empowerment through education, employment, and social participation is essential for promoting human rights and dignity.
The celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages in Egypt highlights the country's efforts to promote social inclusion and support people with disabilities. The Ministry of Endowments and other government agencies are working to create a more accessible and inclusive society, where people with disabilities can participate fully and contribute to the country's development.
Key points
- The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments has fulfilled the required 5% quota for employing people with disabilities in recent recruitment competitions.
