Venice Kamel Gouda (1934 – 2021), who passed away on 21 March 2021, will go down in history as a fine academian and Egypt’s first female Minister for Scientific Research, a post she occupied in 1993 – 1997.
Until she passed away, Dr Gouda was a full time Professor with the National Research Centre.
She dedicated her life to academic research and has two patents registered in her name, and she filled a long list of prominent positions. Egypt recoginsed her contribution to scientific research with four State Prizes, and she was repeatedly honoured Internationally. However this is not all there is to know about this outstanding lady.
Years ago, Dr Gouda joined hands with the Coptic Orthodox Bishopric of Public and Social Services to set up a programme for vocational training for young men and women. The programme is based on scientific basis and is inspired by job market needs. Following a period of training and prequalifying trainees for work by providing them with the tools required for the job market, the programme offers trainees the opportunity of placements. Dr Gouda established a fund to sponsor the project which she named “Qualifying for jobs”.
Remarkably, the programme never discontinued operating even under the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Gouda ensured that it kept fulfilling its duty under all and any circumstances.
Dr Gouda was mourned by Pope Tawadros II in a
statement posted on the Coptic Orthodox Church’s Facebook page, in which he asked God to rest her soul with the righteous, and bestow on her family and loved ones His solace. The Pope Tawadros offered his and the Church’s condolences to the Academy of Scientific Research and all the institutions where Dr Gouda had worked and left her mark.
Watani international
25 March 2021
Discussion about this post