Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has honoured young student Mayar Osman after her first-place victory in the 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge. The president received the student at the presidential palace on November 4 and awarded her the Order of Excellence, Second Class.
Mayar was accompanied by Education Minister Mohamed Abdelatif and her parents, Mohamed Osman and May Abdel Aziz. During the meeting, El-Sisi congratulated her on the achievement and praised her family for creating a supportive environment for learning.
The Arab Reading Challenge is a major reading competition that brings together students from different countries. Mayar won the latest edition in Dubai, competing against a large group of young readers from across the region and beyond.
According to the details shared about the competition, more than 40 million students from 60 countries took part. Her victory placed her among the most successful young participants in the event.
The president said the achievement made her an inspiring example for young Egyptians. He also highlighted the importance of recognising talented students and encouraging children to develop their skills through education and reading.
Mayar is a sixth-grade student at Shaheed Hamdi Sharabi Primary School in Kafr El-Sheikh, a governorate in the Nile Delta. Her success has also brought attention to the role of families and schools in supporting children who show strong academic ability.
The meeting included a moment when Mayar recited a verse of poetry for the president. The visit ended with a commemorative photograph to mark the occasion.
The Education Ministry has also announced plans to support her future development. Acting Culture Minister Abdel Aziz Qonsowa said a joint initiative with the Education Ministry would provide continued support for her talent.
Mayar has been appointed as a Reading Ambassador for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair. A special event at the fair is expected to highlight her experience and encourage other children to take part in reading activities.
The Culture Ministry will also donate a complete library collection to her school. The initiative aims to provide students with better access to books and create more opportunities for learning.
The recognition gives Mayar a national platform to encourage reading among young people. Her achievement also highlights how school support, family encouragement and access to books can help children reach important goals.
Egyptian officials hope that celebrating young achievers will motivate more students to explore literature, improve their knowledge and take part in educational activities. Mayar’s success is now being presented as an example of the value of reading and steady academic effort.
