● 2011 Events ● 2009 Events ● 2008 Events

Ballou High School’s Visit to the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau 1/30/2011

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington hosted an evening for artists, teachers and students from Ballou High School in Washington.  Dr. Maha Kamel, director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau welcomed the attendants and briefly talked about Egypt and its ancient history.  Then an art gallery was displayed where artists showcased and sold their art and the money went towards a trip to Egypt that has been planned for students in the coming months as part of the school's cultural activities.  The guests enjoyed their evening at the Cultural Office.

 

Alice Deal Middle School’s Visit to the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau 1/25/2011

A group of students and teachers from Alice Deal Middle School in Maryland visited the Cultural Office to attend a presentation about historical landmarks in Egypt.  Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the Cultural Attaché presented a lecture titled "Egyptian Landmarks" which included interesting information about the Egyptian cities of Alexandria, Aswan and Cairo and the monumental parts found in them.  Then the students watched documentaries about the cities.  The teachers and students enjoyed the lecture and students got a chance to ask questions and to be quizzed about the lecture and the documentaries

 

The Annual Egyptian Students Association in North America (ESANA) Conference 1/22/2011- 1/23/2011

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington organized the annual ESANA conference for 2011 where more than 50 students from the States and Canada attended.  The first day included the students' visit to the Egyptian Embassy in Washington and their interaction with Ambassador Sameh Shokry, the Egyptian Ambassador in Washington.  It was a productive day for the students which included discussions with the Ambassador and the embassy's officials about current events, political and social issues in Egypt and the neighboring countries.  The second day started with a meeting through videoconference with Dr. Mohamed Gaber, director of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector and representative of different departments in the Missions Sector.  From Washington attendants included Dr. Maha Kamel, director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau, Dr. Maysoon Omar, director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Canada, Dr. Mohamed Helmi Elborai, deputy director of the Cultural Office in Washington, Dr. Mohamed Saleh, cultural attaché and students representing the ESANA.  All the attendants discussed issues that concern the students of the ESANA such as tuition costs in American universities, health insurance issues and a variety of different issues as well.  At the end of the conference the Dr. Maha Kamel honored the students for their efforts and achievements during the year.

 

A Lecture about “Remote Sensing Techniques for Detecting Archaeological Sites in Eastern Delta of Egypt” 12/21/2010

Dr. Foudan Salem, a Geospatial Imagery scientist and a Geography and Remote Sensing professor at George Mason University in Virginia presented a lecture at the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau titled “Remote Sensing Techniques for Detecting Archaeological Sites in Eastern Delta of Egypt”.    Dr. Salem worked for many prominent organizations including NASA. Her publications include developing new techniques in hyperspectral imagery for oil spill detection, marine pollution, water quality and archaeological sites investigation using multispectral remote sensing and radar imagery.

 

A lecture about “Scientific Collaboration” at the White House 12/8/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau was invited to the White House to attend a lecture titled “Scientific Collaboration between the U.S. and the World”.  The lecture was presented by Dr. John Holdren, Director of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.  Dr. Holdren focused on the challenges that the U.S. and the rest of the world face in scientific collaboration and the amount of collaboration projects that are taking place currently.  He also discussed the United State’s scientific collaboration with the Islamic world and the need to increase it.

 

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau and the Egyptian American Cultural Association’s Joint Party 12/4/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau along with the Egyptian American Cultural Association (EACA) participated in the celebration that took place on Saturday 12/4/2010.  People from the Egyptian community in the Washington area were invited in addition to some Egyptian students.  Dr. Maha Kamel, Director of the Cultural Bureau attended along with Dr Mohamed Helmy Elborai, Deputy Director and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, Cultural Attaché.  The party included many entertainment segments and a talent show where the Egyptian children presented cultural dances.

 

“Mud Trays and Metamorphosis: Experimental Archaeology and Valley of the Kings Tomb 63” 11/23/2010

Dr. Salima Ikram, professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, visited the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau and presented a lecture titled “Mud Trays and Metamorphosis: Experimental Archaeology and Valley of the Kings Tomb 63”.  Dr. Salima Ikram earned her Ph.D. in Egyptian Archaeology from Cambridge University .  Dr. Ikram has worked on several excavations in Egypt as well as in Sudan , Greece and Turkey .  Her primary research interests are death, daily life, archaezoology, enthnoarchaeology, rock art and the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage. Her lecture focused on the discovery of mud trays in Tomb 63 and the use of the trays in the mummification and burial ceremonies by the ancient Egyptians.

Embassy Adoption Program and Alice Deal Middle School

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau enthusiastically participated in the Embassy Adoption Program. The Embassy Adoption Program is running since 1974, in partnership with the Washington Performing Arts Society, and works with 5th and 6th grade students, to infuse global education in the classroom. A class is “adopted” by an embassy, creating a bond with both our local and international community. Students spend a year immersed in programs that aim to enhance cultural competency. Program highlights include classroom sessions, hosted by embassy representatives a final presentation demonstrating acquired knowledge for the ambassador and embassy representatives. This year, the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington D.C. will work in partnership with Deal Middle School in Washington D.C. through the Embassy Adoption Program. This is a yearlong program. In this program a group of 100  students will learn about: the Egyptian cultural, language, and social life. In addition the ECEB office will deliver bi-weekly talks and presentations as part of the social studies curriculum.  Moreover, students will compete for final projects showing their wealth of understanding about the Egyptian Culture

 

Dr. Maha Kamel’s Visit to George Mason University 11/9/2010 

Dr. Maha Kamel, the director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington visited George Mason University on Tuesday 11/9/2010 where she met with the dean of the Faculty of Business to follow up on the collaboration project between the faculties of Business at George Mason University and the International Branch at Cairo University.  She also met with the director of the admissions office to discuss the lowering of the tuition rates for Egyptian studnets. 

 “The Miracle of Sunrays at the Abu Simbel Temples” 11/5/2010 

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau hosted Egyptologist Ahmed Saleh Abdullah, director of the Abu Simbel and Nubian Temples.  Mr. Abdullah lived most of his life at his Nubian village "Ballana" at Aswan. He received his B.A certificates from the Department of Egyptian Antiquities at Cairo University in 1988, then he received a Master of Science, Department of Egyptology at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom in 2002 and his dissertation entitled "mummification in old kingdom sources". His presentation included a collection of photographs for the temples at Abu Simbel and he explained in detail the process of the sunrays alignment on the temple that takes place twice a year. 

National Cancer Institute (NCI) visit on November 4th, 2010 

Prof. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, the Cultural Counselor and the Deputy Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington , visited the NCI where he met with Dr. Joe Harford, Director of NCI’s Office of International Affairs. During the meeting Prof. El-Borai and Prof. Harford discussed the importance of scientific cooperation in the field of Cancer Research between the NCI and specialized cancer centers in Egypt .  In addition they discussed the importance of capitalizing on the pre-existing scientific collaboration between the NCI and cancer research centers in Egypt . They also discussed the possibility of expanding the pre-existing cancer registries in Egypt . Finally, they addressed the latest advances in the field of Palliative Care and ways to share the experience with the Egyptian cancer institutions.

 

“Arabian Sights Film Festival 2010” October 21-31 2010"

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau participated in the “Arabian Sights Film Festival 2010” which takes place in Washington D.C.  Two Egyptian movies are participating in the festival this year.  The first one is called “Birds of the Nile” directed By Magdi Ahmed Ali and the second movie is “One-Zero” which is directed by Kamla Abu Zekri.  The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau organized a reception and invited the critics from the Washington area.  In addition , the Cultural Office rented a theatre to show “Birds of the Nile” to members of the Egyptian and Arab community plus Egyptian students and professors in the Washington area for free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Maha Kamel's visit to the University of Pittsburgh October 25-26, 2010

Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau visited the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania to follow up on the Egyptian American cooperation project in the field of psychiatry.  This project includes Mansoura University and Cairo University from the Egyptian Side and the University of Pittsburgh on the American side.  The project is an example of the successful cooperation between the Egyptian and the American universities in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.  Professor Vishwajit Nimgaonkar, the director of the project expressed his interest to share this example as a success story in the upcoming Egypt/US. Science Year.  At the end of her trip, Dr. Maha Kamel got a chance to meet the Egyptian students in the University of Pittsburgh and she followed up on their academic progress

 

"Towards A Better Understanding of Amarna: Recent Research in the City and Its Main Cemetery" by Professor Barry Kemp 10/19/2010 

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in conjunction with The American Research Center organized a lecture titled  "Towards A Better Understanding Of Amarna: Recent Research In The City And Its Main Cemetery" and presented by Professor Barry Kemp, Egyptologist and Archaeologist at the University of Cambridge.  He is also the Field Director at Tell el-Amana.  In the lecture, Dr. Kemp presented a historical summary about the city and its rulers specifically King Akhenaton and his family.  He also discussed current and future plans and activities in the Amarna region. 

 

“Cairo: Beginning, Growth, Glory and Challenge” 10/15/2010

Dr. Brian Broadus presented a lecture titled “Cairo: Beginning, Growth, Glory and Challenge” in the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington.  He covered

The history of Cairo’s pharaonic and Roman buildings, tours exemplary buildings, employs unique maps, and efficiently describes the layers of Cairo’s history.  He also discussed  the cleverness and imagination of Cairo’s architects and craftsmen, and the wealth of Cairene patrons and reviewed how the Arab Republic keeps up a vulnerable architectural legacy, and prepares the city to recapture its role as the hub of the Muslim world.

 

 

Dr. Hossam Kamel, President of Cairo University’s tour in the American Universities 10/1/2010-10/6/2010

Dr. Hossam Kamel, President of Cairo University visited George Mason University in Virginia and signed a cooperation agreement between the international branch in the Faculty of Business and Management in Cairo University and George Mason University.  Dr. Maha Kamel, Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau and

 Dr. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, Deputy Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau accompanied Dr. Hossam Kamel in his visit to George Mason they also attended the signature of the agreement as both the Egyptian and the American side agreed on extending their cooperation to include the college of Nursing and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.  Dr. Hossam Kamel also visited the Georgia State University in Atlanta and ended his tour with a visit to New York City.

 

"Mother Land of the World" by the Artist Riyad Abdelgawad 9/24/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel, Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau along with Dr. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, Deputy Director and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, Cultural Attaché attended artist Riyad Abdelgawad’s show at Georgetown University.  The show was titled “ Mother Land of the World” and Mr. Abdelgawad performed Middle Eastern musical pieces on the violin.  Many of the students at the university enjoyed the performance, specially the ones who are interested in Eastern music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The International Forum on Water, Materials Science ad Nanotechnology 9/23/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington organized a forum titled “Water, Materials Science and Nanotechnology” via videoconference as Egypt and the U.S. prepare for the 2011 Egypt/US. Science year in the attendance of   Dr. Maha Kamel, Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau, Dr. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, Deputy Director, and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, Cultural Attaché, along with their guests Dr. Nora Savage, from the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Omnia El-Hakim, Program Director of Diversity and Outreach at NSF, Dr. Zakia Alkafafy , Director of the department of Material Science at NSF and Dr. Ayman Adhere, from the Private Sector..  Attendants on the Egyptian side were Dr. Maged Al-Sherbiny, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Dr. Abdallah Bazaraa, Professor from the faculty of Engineering at Cairo University, Dr. Ahmed Galal, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Cairo University and a group of graduate students from Cairo University and Mubarak City of Science and Technology.  Attendants from Rice University included, Dr. Vicki Colvin, Professor of Chemistry and Dr. Pitzer Schlumberger, Professor of Chemical and Bio-molecular Engineering.  The Fourth group who participated in the conference were Dr. Michael Stenstrom and Dr. Shaily Mahendra, professors at UCLA.  The professors discussed the latest researches and methods of using science and nanotechnology in water purification.  They also agreed on holding a workshop in Cairo that will be sponsored by NSF and that will discuss solutions for water scarcity and the recycling of water and its usage in irrigation.

 

 Virginia Tech University Visit from 13/9/2010 to 14/9/2010

Prof. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, the Cultural Counselor and the Deputy Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington D.C., and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the Cultural Attaché,  visited Virginia Tech University from 13/9/2010 to 14/9/2010 to follow up on the ongoing program between Virginia Tech University and the Ministry of Higher Education in Egypt.  During the visit, Prof. El Borai and Dr. Saleh met with the Dean of the College of Engineering, the Chairs of other Departments of the University, Prof. Riad Sedki the VT-MENA program Director, and Egyptian students who study in Virginia Tech.  In addition Both Prof. El Borai and Dr. Saleh held meetings with a group of Professors and Faculty members at Virginia Tech, including the academic supervisors of the students enrolled in the program. Moreover, Prof. El Borai and Dr. Saleh had the chance to meet with the Director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, the School of Biomedical Engineering, and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute to explore the opportunities of future collaboration between the Egyptian Universities and the Research Centers at Virginia Tech University.

 

Eid Alfitr Celebration in New York 9/11/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel, Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau joined the Egyptian students and families from the Egyptian Community in New York in celebrating Eid Alfitr.  Egyptian Children participated in the event by singing songs and playing games.  They also enjoyed the magician’s show.

 

A Meeting with  August 23,2010

Prof. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, the Cultural Counselor and the Deputy Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington, and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the Cultural Attaché,  visited the NSF where they met with Dr. Osman Shinaishin, NSF Program Coordinator for Africa, Near East and South Asia, Dr. Omnia El-Hakim, Program Director for Diversity and Outreach, and Dr. Samir El-Ghazaly, Program Director for Electrical, Communication & Cyber Systems Divisions. In the meeting they discussed the importance of scientific cooperation between NSF and research associations in Egypt.  They also discussed the roles of NSF in encouraging the cooperation between scientists in Egypt and all over the world. In addition the NSF representatives discussed various sponsored programs including the possibility of establishing a center of excellence.

 

Mrs. Shirin Gharib, Deputy Director of The "Washington, DC International Film Festival",  Visit to The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington - August, 18th, 2010

Based on the vision adopted by the Egyptian Cultural & Educational Office in Washington DC to highlight the modern image of the contemporary Egyptian art, a meeting was held with Mrs. Shirin Ghareeb, Deputy Director of The "Washington, DC International Film Festival". This is one of the most important art festivals held in Washington D.C. Meeting was attended by Prof. Mohamed Helmy El Borai, the Cultural Counselor, and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the Cultural Attaché. During the meeting the parties spoke highly of the need to maximize the aspects of joint cooperation to highlight the contemporary Egyptian art. The parties also agreed on the need for coordination with the Ministry of Culture and initiate channels for joint cooperation in all functional areas, including documentaries and feature films in addition to the children theater.

 

A Video Conference Between the Cultural Affairs and Mission Sector in Egypt and the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington D.C. -  August 9,2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington D.C organized a video conference with the Cultural Affairs and Mission Sector in Egypt. Attendants  from the Cultural Affairs and Mission Sector in Egypt included Prof. Mohamed Gaber Abu-Ali, (First Under Secretary for Cultural Affairs & Missions), Prof. Mohamed Hamza,  (the Head of the Mission Sector), and the technical staff members at the Cultural Affairs and Missions. And from the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau, (ECEB),attendants included  Prof.  Mohamed Helmy El Borai, (Cultural Counselor & Deputy Director), Dr. Mohamed Aly Saleh (Cultural Attaché), and the ECEB staff members . The attendants discussed the importance of having video conference sessions on a regular basis to review and share experience in all aspects of Cultural and Educational issues.   During the meeting, a vision for automation and deployment  of the Management Information System, developed at the Cultural Affairs and Mission Sector in Egypt,  was thoroughly discussed and approved.  in addition the attendants reviewed the status of the ongoing projects as well as the USAID project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES)  August 9,2010

The Cultural Office hosted 50 Egyptian students who are participants of the Youth Exchange Program that is sponsored by the State Department. The YES is a cultural exchange program that was established in 2002 and it offers scholarships for students between the ages of 15-17 to come and spend an academic year throughout different states in the U.S. public school system.  The students will live with host families in the U.S. which will give them a chance to culturally interact and assimilate in the American society.  Prof. Mohamed Helmy El Borai,  Cultural Counselor and Deputy Director and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, Cultural Attaché welcomed the students and emphasized the importance of representing Egyptian civilization and culture positively during their stay in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Egyptian American Nanotechnology Cooperation  Videoconference 7/15/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau hosted a videoconference that brought together scientists, public officials, and students from four other locations: CNSI's Auditorium at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA; Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA; University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX; and the Egyptian National Science and Technology Information Network's (ENSTINET) Office in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Maha Kamel, the director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau noted that the videoconference was part of an effort to strengthen scientific cooperation between the United States and Egypt, an initiative resulting from President Obama's June 2009 speech in Cairo. All of the forum participants were welcomed in a keynote by Dr. Maged El Sherbiny, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, who also expressed confidence in the benefits of future collaboration between the two countries and the participants of the forum. The hope of eliminating the side effects of conventional radiation therapy by developing new targeted cancer drugs dominated much of the discussion.  Researchers from the United States and Egypt presented novel perspectives on how nanotechnology is advancing the arsenal against cancer and their presentation focused on the array of new microscopy capabilities that allow researchers to push the envelope to 'see' and manipulate nanoparticles at unprecedented scale, enabling among other advances, the development of targeted medicines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Day Celebration in Washington 7/7/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel, the director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the cultural attaché attended the National Day celebration that was held at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington.  The Cultural Office participated with a presentation of a documentary about the Mubarak Library projects.  Attendants included American professors who cooperate with the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau and Egyptian students and people from the Egyptian community in the Washington area.  The guests enjoyed a presentation of historical pictures and Egyptian patriotic songs. 

 Dr. Maurice Mikhail’s Visit to The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington

Dr. Maurice Mikhail, who is a representative for the Mubarak Public Libraries project visited the Cultural Office and discussed the latest collaboration projects with Detroit University and Troy University which will be under the supervision of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau.  The Mubarak Public Libraries project is one of the most important innovative and educational projects in Egypt.   The MPL's philosophy is based on the idea that the library is a living reality that interacts with the public, and that it constitutes the foundation for the cultural structure of the society.  MPL aims at encouraging people of all categories and age groups to develop their reading habit, and make use of the cultural and educational materials that are available in the library; as well as developing and updating these materials in order to satisfy the desires and needs of its members.

 

 

The Egyptian American Student Exchange Program 6/30/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau hosted more than 50 Egyptian students who participated in an exchange program sponsored by the Stated Department and the Egyptian Association for Cultural Exchange.  Dr. Maha Kamel the Director of the Cultural Office and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the Cultural Attaché both welcomed the students and wished them a successful continuation of their education after their return to Egypt after they spent a year in the American high schools.  They also expressed their gratitude to the teachers and administrators of the program.  At the end of the meeting the students got their transcripts and diplomas authenticated from the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Egyptian Ministry of Communication’s Conference in New York

Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director of the Cultural Office participated in a conference that the Egyptian Ministry of Communication held in New York for American university professors.  Minister Tarek Kamel discussed the significant developments of the infrastructures in the communication sector.  He also spoke about the economic development in the sector and the Ministry’s interest in collaborating with the American universities.  Dr. Maha Kamel discussed the Ministry of Higher Education’s encouragement for the Egyptian graduate students to return back to Egypt and the importance of their communication with the Technological Development Fund who will support them upon their return. 

 

 

Cultural Day Celebration at the World Bank 6/16/2010 

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau participated in the Cultural Day celebrations at the World Bank.  Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director and Dr. Mohamed Saleh, the Cultural Attaché attended the celebrations.  There were many performances of cultural dances that represented different countries including Bedwin dances that represented Sinai and a performance on the rhythms of Om Kolthoum’s song.  Egyptian artifacts and ancient pieces were showcased along with a presentation about monumental landmarks in Egypt in the Egyptian Corner. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Wafaa El  Sedik’s Presents a Lecture in Washington 5/28/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington hosted Dr. Wafaa El Sedik, Director of The Egyptian Museum in Cairo.  Dr. El Sedik presented a lecture that was attended by Ambassador Sameh Shokry and more than fifty guests.  Dr. El Sedik shared the contributions of the museum towards tourism and the interesting peaces and how she maintained and improved each section of the historical museum since she has become the director.  She also talked about the new Children’s Museum and presented a spectacular picture presentation.  This is one of the unique museums that make it possible for kids to builds models of famous ancient pieces by using Lego pieces and that makes it easier for them to learn about the history of those statues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lecture in the Library of Congress 5/25/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau accompanied Dr. Wafaa El Sedik, the Director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to the Library of Congress where Dr. El Sedik presented a didactic lecture about the collection in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.  She highlighted the goal of the new Children’s Museum, which is to bring children from all backgrounds in society closer through this astonishing learning experience that they’ll share when they visit museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A Workshop about Ancient Egyptian Sarcophagi 5/22/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel welcomed Dr. Martin Von Falck, who is an Egyptologist who came to visit Washington and held a workshop at the Cultural Office.  Guests participated in the workshop that focused on the history of sarcophagi and tombs in ancient Egypt.  Dr. Von Falck discussed the different materials such as wood and stone that were used to make sarcophagi depending on social class of the person and he also analyzed the scriptures that were written and their meanings.

 

Memorandum of Understanding between the Supreme Council of Universities of Egypt (SCU) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

Dr. Salwa El-Gharib, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities of Egypt made a visit to Washington D.C. from April 23, 2010 to May 1, 2010.  Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau accompanied Dr. El-Gharib and Dr. Wael Qurtam, Vice Dean of the College of Commerce in Cairo University to their visit to George Mason University where Dr. El-Gharib signed an agreement.  The agreement’s main goal is to increase cooperation between George Mason University and Cairo University by building an international branch of the college of Commerce in Cairo University. This will also help in the improvement of research and the exchange of expertise between the two universities.  Dr. Maha Kamel also accompanied Dr. Salwa El-Gharib to her visit to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) where Dr. El-Gharib singed a Memorandum of Understanding between the SCU and AASCU.  This agreement will create cooperation programs between the higher education institutions in Egypt and the U.S.  that will promote faculty development through joint research projects and faculty exchanges .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet2 Spring Member Meeting 4/26/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel attended the Internet2 meeting that was held in Virginia to discuss the cooperation project between Egyptian and American Universities in the field of Information Technology.  Dr. Maha Kamel also participated in the workshop that was held for the application of internet usage in the sciences and the medical field.  An example of these new systems is the E-Health system which is healthcare practice that is supported by electronic processes and communication.  This method will improve the healthcare system by enabling easy communication of patient data between different healthcare professionals and not requiring patients to travel to a specialist.

 

Arabic Films at Filmfest DC 2010 4/15/2010 – 4/25/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel attended the Filmfest DC 2010 in Washington where a variety of Arabic countries participated with their finest cinematic works.  Egyptian participation was with two movies that won many awards, “Heliopolis” and “Scheherazade, Tell me a Story”.  Many people from the Arab and Egyptian community participated and enjoyed the films in the festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010 Egyptian Student Exams 4/10/2010 – 4/18/2010

The final exams for Egyptian students in the U.S. were held in the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau for 45 students with grades between 3^rd and 10^th grade.  And as they wait for their final results, the Cultural Office wishes them all the success

 

 

Dr. Mamdouh Ghoniem’s Lecture about Discovering a Cure for Cancer 3/25/2010

A Lecture about Egyptian Folklore the History of Egyptian Theatre 3/24/2010

Taha Hussein in the Library of Congress 3/23/2010

Fulbright Community College Project 3/17/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel welcomed Dr. Jack Bermingham, professor at the University of Seattle in Washington and Dr. Michael Allan the coordinators of the “Fulbright Community College Project”.  The program includes language training, analytical studies of the American society and curriculum designing depending on the demands of society.  107 students will participate this year.  The students will be divided among different Community Colleges. This program will be presented in the April 26^th, 2010 conference as an example of successful cooperation projects and as an encouragement for such programs between the U.S. and the Islamic world part of President Obama’s initiative to communicate with the Islamic World.

Egypt Gets “Imesy’s Sarcophagus” Back 3/10/2010

 

Adding Egypt to the GLORIAD (Global Ring Network for Advanced Application Development) 3/10/2010

In the presence of Dr. Hany Helal, Minister of Higher Education and State for Scientific Research of Egypt the Egyptian National Science and Technology Network was connected to the GLORIAD network among other countries such as China, U.S. and Holland.  The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau led by Dr. Maha Kamel, played an important role in negotiating with the NSF to bring this network to Egypt.

 

The International Commercial Remote Sensing Symposium 3/3/2010-3/5/2010

 

A Visit by Administrators of the Fulbright Program

 

 

A Meeting with Representatives of NSF and the Arab Science and Technology Foundation(ASTF) 2/24/2010

 

Honoring The Egyptian Scientist Dr. Mamdouh Ghoneim 2/23/2010

 

Dr. Linda Lucas’s visit to the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau 2/23/2010

 

 

A Meeting through Video Conference between the University of Pennsylvania and Cairo University 2/21/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel organized a video conference meeting between the University of Pennsylvania and Cairo University.  Attendants from the Egyptian side included Dr. Mohamed El Masry, Assistant Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Ahmed Kholief, Professor of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, and Dr. Mostafa Hassib, Resident of Trauma and Orthopedics.  On the American side attendants included Professor Bruce D. Browner, Chairman in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the New England Musculoskeletal Institute and a number of Doctors from the Univeristy of Pynnsylvania. The attendants discussed the importance of cooperation between universities in Egypt and universities in the United States to share expertise in the field of Orthopedic Medicine.

 

A Meeting with Representatives from the USAID 2/5/2010

 

The National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) Conference 1/29/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in cooperation with the NAQAAE organized a conference at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington DC.  80 Egyptian/American professors came from various universities around the U.S. to attend the conference.  Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau talked about the establishment of NAQAAE.  Dr. Magdy Kassem, President of NAQAAE discussed the goals and activities of NAQAAE, whereas Dr. Ashraf Barkawy , Vice President of NAQAAE covered the accreditation of different educational programs.  Dr. Hamdy Nassar, Vice President of NAQAAE talked about the accreditation of schools and universities and Dr. Mohamed Naguib Abou-Zeid, who’s a member in the Shoura Council discussed the accreditation of the Engineering schools in Egypt. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congress Members at the Egyptian Embassy 1/27/2010

Education in the United States 1/20/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau attended a briefing at the Department of Education which presented information on education in middle schools and high schools in the U.S.  Also accreditation associations that accredit American schools abroad were presented at the briefing.

The general assembly of the Egyptian Students Association in  North America  Jan 14 – 17/2010

The Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington hosted the general assembly of the Egyptian Students Association in North America (ESANA) .  The annual meeting consisted of a variety of activities.  On Friday 1/15/2010 students along with Dr. Maha Kamel, the Director of the Educational Bureau in Washington visited the Embassy to open the event.  Students met with Minister Amr Ramadan who discussed Egyptian American relations and then they directed questions related to the counselor section to Counselor Ashraf Salama.  On Saturday 1/16/2010 there was a video conference meeting attended by Dr. Ali Alshafey, President of the Science and Technology Developmental Fund from Egypt , Dr. Maha Kamel the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Washington and Dr. Nebal Altanbouly, Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in Canada.  Later there was a lecture presented by Dr. Osman A. Shinaishin at the Cultural Office.  On Sunday, 1/17/2010  a meeting was transmitted by videoconference to the sector of  Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education. Prof.Dr. Mohamed Gaber Abou Ali, director of the sector opened the event by addressing the students and responding to their inquiries and Dr. Mohamed Hamza continued the question session with the students they also   discussed with ESANA members the role of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureaus in the US and Canada and the problems facing the students abroad. After the meetings, the new ESANA board was elected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“JOURNEY TO MECCA: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta” 1/13/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel the Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau represented Egypt in the premiere of the documentary “Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta”.  The premiere was held at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and was sponsored by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, the Ambassador of UAE and the Ambassador of Morocco.  The documentary tells the story of Ibn Battuta who is an ancient world explorer and his experience during his pilgrimage to Mecca.

IREX International Leaders in Education Program 1/7/2010

Dr. Maha Kamel attended the ILEP meeting that was organized by the State Department’s Educational Programs Sector.  Seven teachers who came from Egypt attended the meeting and presented pictures and posters about Egypt and higher education.  Then they were sent to different universities to begin the programs that are prepared for them.