Sierra Leone’s Minister of Public and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, led a high-level delegation to visit His Eminence the Grand Imam, Ahmed Mohamed El-Tayeb, Sheikh Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in scientific education across various academic levels.
During the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Imam welcomed the delegation and highlighted the longstanding relations between Al-Azhar and Sierra Leone. He announced plans to increase scholarships for Sierra Leonean students to study at Al-Azhar University and to establish an Azhar center for Arabic language education in Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to facilitate learning of the Arabic language and Islamic sciences, with automatic qualification for students wishing to enroll at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.
Furthermore, Sheikh Al-Azhar expressed readiness to offer short-term training programs for Sierra Leonean Imams and religious leaders at Al-Azhar International Academy. These programs will focus on enhancing skills in dispelling misconceptions about Islam and promoting values of tolerance and coexistence.
Minister Amara Kallon extended President Bio’s greetings to President Sisi and expressed appreciation for Al-Azhar’s support to Sierra Leonean students. He emphasized President Bio’s commitment to education and highlighted the allocation of over 20% of the state budget to support education initiatives. Minister Kallon also welcomed Sheikh Al-Azhar’s proposal to train Sierra Leone’s Imams, affirming Sierra Leone’s dedication to fostering education in both religious and scientific fields.
In response, Sheikh Al-Azhar directed the allocation of additional scholarships for Sierra Leonean students and endorsed training programs for Sierra Leonean doctors in Al-Azhar University’s medical colleges.
Following the visit to Sheikh Al-Azhar, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with the Egyptian House of Parliament to further reinforce mutual support and development between the two nations.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Mohamed B. Kallon
Information Attaché
The Republic of Sierra Leone Embassy, Cairo
The Arab Republic of Egypt
Email: mbkallon2020@gmail.com
Phone: +201104336127
