"Taaleem Magany" Free Education: a view on Education in Egypt {The Egyptian Explained}
“Taaleem Magany” (free education) is a phrase often used sarcastically to refer to the low-quality education system offered by the government. There is a common phrase in an Egyptian movie that goes, “In Europe and developed countries…”—highlighting that in many developed countries, education services, especially primary education, are mostly free because they are considered basic rights.
Primary and elementary education is indeed a human right, though this perception varies across countries and cultures. While the Egyptian educational system brands itself as free, it is not entirely free in practice. Those with financial means often seek better education that comes with a price tag.
Price Equals Quality?
In Egypt, and arguably elsewhere, there is a simple equation: price = quality when it comes to education. Most people trust the prestige or reputation of an institution over the actual quality or academic rigor. There is a widespread belief that a qualified educational background guarantees better personal and academic abilities.
Education Reflects Society
Education—whether schools, universities, or other institutions—is not isolated. It mirrors the wider social, economic, and political context of the country. National educational challenges reflect differently depending on social class, cost of education, and politics.
Many studies highlight the poor state of the national educational system. However, there is also a need to report on the experience of private paid education, which often promises better services. Are there differences between public and private education? Yes. Are the high fees justified? Maybe. But are there similarities? Shockingly, yes.
Two Incidents: A Reflection of the Crisis
Two incidents highlight the current educational crisis in Egypt, both from private institutions but representing different levels.
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The first was a playground fight between two girls at a private school, resulting in hospitalization. The fight was witnessed by other students who recorded it, and no supervision was present. The language used crossed social boundaries and was caught on camera.
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The second incident involved the American University in Cairo (AUC), which expelled students from dorms after USAID scholarships covering tuition fees were suspended.
Both incidents sparked criticism and suggestions for alternative solutions. The close timing of these incidents serves as an alarming wakeup call to the discrepancies between public and private education.
Public vs. Private Education: A Changing Landscape
Even wealthy families often turn their backs on the national public education system, but education is more than just buildings or fees—it is a comprehensive approach.
Private education may offer opportunities to develop potential and secure a better future, but life experiences reveal much more about social mobility and chances.
Historically, most students attended public schools, which once offered better quality education than some private schools today. Private schools used to be seen as places for students who did not qualify for public schools, while foreign schools catered to a small elite.
The growth of private educational businesses coincided with a decline in public education quality and limited availability. Initially considered better alternatives, many private schools have seen their quality deteriorate, although still often outperforming neglected public schools.
Private Schools: More Than Education
Nowadays, private schools function more as gated communities than purely educational institutions. There is a stratification within private education itself—some institutions have better reputations than others.
This stratification extends into the job market, where companies use the reputation of educational institutions as criteria for hiring, sometimes overlooking actual skills or competencies.
Education as a Mindset and Value
True education is more than certificates—it is a mindset and set of values shaped by life experiences. While socio-economic realities in Egypt influence perceptions, education remains a fundamental need, right, and demand.
As the African proverb says, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”
References
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United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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World Bank. (2018). Egypt Education Report: Toward Improving Education Quality and Equity.
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Heyneman, S. P. (2010). "Education and Social Change in the Arab World." International Journal of Educational Development, 30(4), 346-352.
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El-Baradei, M. (2004). Educational Challenges in Egypt. Cairo University Press.
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