The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have announced the three wining projects for the 5th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World from Egypt, Guinea and Pakistan, following the evaluation of 16 projects from 11 countries.

The winning projects are “Pioneering Models for Welcoming and Modern Schools,” submitted by Integration of the Disabled Foundation for Community Development in Egypt; the “International University of Guinea,” submitted by Dr. Mohammed Sekou Keita; and “Grand Asian University Sialkot,” submitted by Dr. Muhammad Islam in Pakistan.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that, through its partnership with the Hamdan Foundation, the Prize continues to support voluntary and humanitarian initiatives dedicated to establishing and developing education facilities and improving learning conditions, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

Dr. AlMalik commended the winners’ contributions to supporting students and educational institutions and advancing local development. He noted that, over its five editions, the Prize has consolidated its position as a platform for promoting impactful charitable and voluntary work in education.

For his part, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, explained that the winning projects address genuine educational needs, from supporting inclusive education and expanding access to higher education to providing more inclusive and sustainable learning environments, combining a strong concept with practical impact.

Since its launch in 2013, the Egyptian project, “Pioneering Models for Welcoming and Modern Schools,” has helped integrate and support 911 children with disabilities in public schools, equipped and upgraded 200 schools, and trained 650 teachers. Founded in 2019, the International University of Guinea in-person and online learning while aligning its programs with community and labor market needs. Grand Asian University Sialkot, founded in 2021, focuses on expanding access to higher education and empowering girls and students from low-income families in less-developed areas.

Awarded every two years to three individuals or institutions that have contributed to developing education facilities in the Islamic world, the Prize carries a total value of US$300,000, with each winner receiving US$100,000 and the Prize trophy. The cash award must be invested in developing the winning project or launching new educational projects that support education facilities.