A virtual two-day camp was organised last week by the Ministry of Emigration and Egyptian Expatriate Affairs in coordination with Well Spring, an entity specialised in organising camps, for young Egyptians in New Jersey. This camp is the 14th camp within the Ministry of Immigration’s Etkalem Arabi (Speak Arabic) initiative. The initiative which was launched last October aims to promote Arabic language and Egyptian culture and identity to young Egyptians living abroad.
During the two day camp a selection of traditional songs was broadcast, and participants engaged in various games, competitions and activities, all with the aim of familiarising the participating youth with Egypt and its culture. The participants, on their parts, sang a few Egyptian songs they know and played games where they answered questions regarding their favourite Egyptian foods and the names of Egyptian towns that they know.
The Royal Pharaohs Parade which was held in Egypt last Saturday 3 April was discussed.
The participants in the camp were awed at the parade, the music and the organisation; they said that they have watched it with their families and friends and were very proud of their homeland Egypt and its great civilisation that the world was speaking of.
Parents, on their part expressed their gratitude at the initiative of Etkalem Arabi that is helping connect their children to Egypt. They were ecstatic to see their children conversing in Arabic and learning about Egyptian culture and tradition.
At the end of the camp, the participating youth agreed to try to keep talking Arabic with each other.
Since its launch last year, Etkalem Arabi has organised camps in Austria, UAE, Canada, California, Germany, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UK, Australia, France, Belgium, Italy and Poland.
Watani International
6 April 2021