Al-Azhar and the British Council Partnership

The partnership between Al-Azhar and the British Council began in 2007 at the request of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who was then the President of the University. This initiative aimed to support Al-Azhar University in establishing an English language training centre for students of the Faculty of Islamic Studies.

Since the project's inception, our collaboration evolved significantly. Our joint efforts included three main strands:

1. Supporting the Al-Azhar English Training Centre: This initiative provided quality English language lessons to students.
2. Building Capacity for Professional Development: We focused on enhancing the professional development of primary and secondary school teachers at Al-Azhar.
3. Managing a UK Scholarship Programme: We facilitated a Masters and PhD scholarship programme for Al-Azhar teachers and students in partnership with the British Embassy.

Each of these strands empowered Al-Azhar students and scholars to engage confidently in interfaith and intercultural dialogue with individuals from diverse cultures and faiths globally.

Programme Highlights

Al-Azhar English Training Centre (AAETC):

• Over 1200 students studied or were studying at the centre.
• More than 700 students graduated.
• 600 students were actively enrolled in the AAETC.
• Students typically studied for four years at the centre.
• On average, students improved their English language skills by two CEFR levels, with 73% graduating at B1 or above.
• All 32 teachers from AAETC completed the Teacher Knowledge Test.

Al-Azhar Institutes - Schools Training Programme:

• 118 school teachers received training in English language methodology.
• The programme developed school leadership skills among supervisors.
• We built teachers' skills to become peer mentors.
• Collaborative efforts led to the development of innovative professional development systems for teachers.

UK - Al-Azhar Scholarships:

• Initiated in 2015 by the Grand Imam and the British Ambassador to Egypt.
• Six Al-Azhar scholars pursued Masters and PhDs at top-ranked UK universities in Theology and Religious Studies.

Previous Programmes in Collaboration with Al-Azhar:

English for Interfaith Dialogue Programme:

This significant programme aimed to prepare Azhari students, staff, and scholars to engage in interfaith dialogue and intercultural exchange through English. It sought to broaden their perspectives and enhance their understanding of diverse cultures.

The programme's goal was to empower Azhari participants with English skills necessary for interfaith dialogue, helping them build bridges toward understanding other faiths and effectively communicate the essence of Islam.

The initiative resulted in a unique set of pedagogical materials for both offline and digital use, focusing on themes such as critical thinking, identity, diversity, and dialogue as an alternative to debates.

• 37 teachers from the Al-Azhar English Training Centre received training in English language pedagogy and the EID curriculum.
• 292 students graduated from the EID pilot programme, receiving positive feedback for its effectiveness.
• The programme was particularly well-received by Egyptian youth, who found it instrumental in understanding their own and others’ prejudices, fostering common ground among nations.

An evaluation report from March 2022 indicated that 92.6% of students became more interested in learning about other faiths and cultures, 92.5% improved their English skills for engaging with diverse backgrounds, and 93.8% valued the role of EDI in fostering open and understanding societies.

An Azhari student reflected, "I benefited a lot from it; my perspectives on culture, social and religious diversity have refined significantly."

An EID facilitator noted, "The time spent on in-class projects where students could express their opinions and demonstrate understanding was invaluable."

For more details, please refer to the document "English for Interfaith Dialogue Programme - Al-Azhar" at the bottom of the page.

Al-Azhar English Training Centre in Luxor

Building on the successful model of the Al-Azhar English Training Centre in Cairo, the British Council collaborated with Al-Azhar to launch a new centre in Luxor, Upper Egypt. This initiative aimed to increase educational opportunities for young females outside Cairo, fulfilling a mutual priority for both organizations.

The English Training Centre empowered 180 female students from the Girls College in Tiba City with quality English courses, enhancing their prospects in the job market and prestigious educational programmes. Courses were taught by Upper Egypt teachers who were trained and supported by the British Council, a leader in English language teaching and learning.