Between Hope and Challenge: Can Japanese Curricula Transform Egypt’s Education System?

In a new step toward education reform, Egypt’s Ministry of Education and Technical Education announced the implementation of Japanese curricula across nine educational grades starting next academic year, in cooperation with Japan. The decision has sparked wide discussion among teachers and education experts. While some see it as an important move toward a more advanced education system, others believe it may face serious challenges when applied to the reality of Egyptian schools.

According to Mohamed ElSayed, a former school principal and educational supervisor, improving education is not only about introducing new systems, but also about addressing existing problems inside schools. He said the current weekly assessment system has become a burden on the educational process, shifting the focus from teaching to constant testing.

“The main focus has shifted to assessment rather than teaching itself, which wastes valuable class time and reduces the real benefit for students,” ElSayed said.

ElSayed also criticized the multiple-choice examination system, arguing that it sometimes allows weaker students to succeed by chance, while hardworking students may feel disadvantaged. He added that the growing use of tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT has led some students to submit nearly identical answers in assignments and monthly exams.

When asked about the decision to implement Japanese curricula, ElSayed described the idea as promising. “Japan is known for its discipline and organization, and this system could help students improve their critical thinking and analytical skills,” he said. However, he warned that the high cost of Japanese schools could become a burden for Egyptian families and called for more affordable options.

Thoraya ElSaeed, a teacher in a private School in 6th of October City, expressed concern about the timing of the decision. She said introducing an entirely new system to students who are already in primary school may create unnecessary pressure.

“If this system had been introduced from kindergarten, it might have been easier,” ElSaeed said. “But applying it suddenly to older students will create a major shift.”

Eissaed also pointed to the cultural and linguistic gap between Egypt and Japan, arguing that unfamiliar concepts may confuse students rather than support them. She said the new system may also create challenges inside classrooms, especially if teachers are not fully prepared before implementation.

“Teachers themselves will need to learn the system first and completely change their teaching methods,” she said. “Without proper training, it will be very difficult to succeed.”

Despite their different views, the sources agreed that Egypt’s education system urgently needs reform. Yet between the government’s ambition to benefit from the Japanese model and the practical challenges inside Egyptian classrooms, one question remains: can Egypt turn this educational partnership into real success, or will it remain another reform plan on paper?