On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, in collaboration with Ain Shams University, celebrated the completion of the Sign Language Interpretation Training Course. The course, which lasted over two months, included practical training and intensive workshops to graduate competent interpreters qualified to work effectively with the deaf and hard of hearing in all aspects of life.
The celebration was attended by His Grace Bishop Irinias, General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, Professor Dr. Hanan El-Saeed, Director of the Blended E-Learning Center at Ain Shams University and Coordinator of the cooperation protocol between the university and the cultural center, and Ms. Clare Gace, Chief Sign Language Interpreter and Advisor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the cultural center, alongside a distinguished team of specialized trainers.
This course is part of the cooperation protocol between Ain Shams University and the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, aimed at serving Egyptian society and empowering the deaf and hard of hearing. Since 2015, several intensive Egyptian Sign Language courses have been organized to train interpreters capable of assisting the deaf and hard of hearing, and to prepare a new generation of interpreters to work in Egyptian universities, under the supervision of a distinguished group of Egyptian Sign Language interpreters. Over 250 students have graduated from these courses, many of whom are now working as interpreters in universities and governmental institutions, continuing to enhance society’s ability for inclusive communication.
The current course represents a “new gem in the crown of ongoing success,” including exams to qualify participants as simultaneous interpreters in various state institutions, supervised by Professor Dr. Hanan El-Saeed, Ms. Clare Abdel-Malek, Dr. Janet Fawzy, and in collaboration with a distinguished team of Egyptian Sign Language interpreters.
This celebration reflects the support and commitment of Professor Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abdeen, President of Ain Shams University, and His Grace Bishop Irinias, General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, to the cause of the deaf and hard of hearing, demonstrating their dedication to empowering them and promoting their full integration into Egyptian society.
