«Education Development by Ministers»: Launch of a Free French Language Learning Program
Cairo - Ahmed Sabry
The Education Development Fund, under the Office of the Prime Minister, announced the launch of a new program to teach French free of charge, as part of its expansion plan to support Egyptian youth’s foreign language skills and align them with the needs of the international and African labor markets. This initiative aims to broaden employment opportunities within Egypt and abroad, particularly in countries where French is an official language or used for business and communication.
The program’s launch aligns with the Fund’s strategy to invest in human capital development by offering specialized training programs that enhance the readiness of students and graduates to compete in regional and international labor markets, amid growing demand for professionals who possess both linguistic skills and professional qualifications.
In this regard, Dr. Rasha Saad Sharaf, Secretary-General of the Education Development Fund, stated that the introduction of the French language program responds to rapid changes in the labor market, which increasingly requires personnel equipped with linguistic skills that enable them to work in diverse international environments. She noted that French is one of the most widely spoken languages in business, education, and international cooperation sectors, and is an official language in many African countries with which Egypt is strengthening economic and developmental ties. This opens promising opportunities for Egyptian youth to work and participate in regional and international projects.
In a press statement, Sharaf added that the Fund operates according to a vision aimed at preparing generations equipped with future-oriented skills, by providing advanced educational programs that combine knowledge and practical skills. This enhances young people’s competitiveness in the labor market and supports the state’s orientation toward opening up to international and African markets.
She emphasized that teaching foreign languages is a core pillar of the Fund’s strategy, given their role in building cadres capable of communicating and working in multicultural environments. She stressed that proficiency in French gives young people a genuine competitive advantage, whether working with international companies and institutions or taking advantage of the growing opportunities offered by French-speaking African markets.
She pointed out that the program allows registration for all age groups, from middle school students to graduates and recent graduates. Registration will continue until the first cohort is fully enrolled. Participants will receive comprehensive training in the four key skills of French: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with specialized content including vocabulary and professional terminology to help learners integrate into various work environments.
The program is implemented through the Fund’s e-learning platform, which provides interactive training content including educational videos, language practice sessions, progress assessment tools, question banks, and periodic tests. The entire program is offered free of charge to applicants.
The Education Development Fund affirmed that the launch of the French language program extends its efforts to prepare qualified Egyptian cadres possessing the linguistic and professional skills aligned with global economic requirements. It supports the state’s direction toward deepening cooperation with African and Francophone countries, thereby enhancing employment opportunities and encouraging Egyptian youth’s participation in regional and international markets, in line with the state’s vision of investing in human capital as the cornerstone of sustainable development.
