The General Authority of Cultural Palaces concluded a three-day cultural and artistic programme in the village of Shobak Basta, Sharqia Governorate, as part of the presidential Decent Life initiative. The event, held under the patronage of Dr Ahmed Fouad Hennawi, Minister of Culture, brought together local residents, schoolchildren and professional artists to celebrate creativity and to promote cultural awareness.
Egypt cultural programme
The closing day featured a public discussion on violence against children and its psychological and social consequences. Specialist Ahmad Salah outlined the various forms of abuse children face and described the long-term effects on emotional development and social integration. He emphasised the importance of early intervention, family support and community-based prevention measures to help build resilient young people.
Following the discussion, organisers staged a talent discovery session that gave local youths the opportunity to perform and display their skills. A poetry meeting presented works by Mahasen Bayoumi and Ahmed El-Shebki, whose readings prompted audience engagement and conversation about contemporary themes in local verse.
Practical workshops ran throughout the programme, allowing participants to learn traditional and contemporary crafts. Sessions included basket weaving led by Mohamed Fawzi, basic printing techniques with trainer Ghoneim Abdel Aziz, palm craft instruction from Fathia Mohamed and mural design by artist Ashraf Abdel Rahim. Drawing fundamentals were taught by Sayed Hosni, enabling attendees to complete artworks that were displayed as the festival concluded.
The final programme segment showcased performances by school students, a traditional Aragoz puppet troupe and the Belbis Arabic Music Ensemble conducted by maestro Mahmoud Hendawy. The ensemble’s repertoire combined patriotic songs with classical popular pieces, and the performances received an enthusiastic response from the community.
The activities were implemented by the General Directorate for Village Culture, led by Dr Badawi Mabrouk, and organised within the Central Administration for Studies and Research under Dr Hanan Moussa. The event was staged in cooperation with the East Delta Cultural Region, headed by writer Ahmed Sami Khater, and the Sharqia culture branch. Officials described the programme as part of the ministry’s broader strategy to expand access to cultural services, strengthen arts education and support local talent.
Local leaders and organisers said the festival aimed to combine artistic training with social outreach. By pairing craft and music workshops with sessions on child protection and psychological well-being, the programme sought to address both creative and civic needs. Participants left with newly acquired skills and a series of completed works that will remain on display in the village as a record of the initiative.
The Shobak Basta programme illustrates the ministry’s commitment to bringing cultural resources to rural communities and using the arts as a tool for social development. Officials indicated that similar events will continue to be rolled out across the governorate as part of ongoing efforts to nurture cultural participation outside urban centres.
Key Takeaways:
- Three-day cultural programme in Shobak Basta wrapped up under Egypt’s Decent Life initiative, highlighting community arts and social awareness.
- Panel on violence against children stressed family and community roles in protection and psychological support.
- Hands-on workshops in crafts, printing and mural design showcased local talent and concluded with school and ensemble performances.
