Egypt begins new school year with safety and textbook directives

The new academic year for 2026/2027 is commencing in Egypt, with classes starting in several governorates on Saturday, September 12, followed by the remaining regions on Sunday, September 13.

Minister of Education and Technical Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, has issued several directives to ensure an organized start. Key instructions include the mandatory distribution of textbooks to students from the first day of school, with a strict prohibition on linking book delivery to the payment of school fees. The Ministry also emphasized the need to address teacher shortages and ensure full discipline through electronic attendance tracking.

To ensure student safety, schools must conduct thorough maintenance, including securing iron doors, fixing electric fans, and ensuring the integrity of fences and staircases. Safety protocols also mandate that sewage covers be properly secured and that motorcycles or cars are prohibited from entering school grounds. Additionally, authorities are coordinating with local districts to clear school perimeters of hazards such as electrical kiosks, garbage piles, and street vendors.