Zaki Hamawi

Pioneering Egyptian educator who revolutionized Arab world's access to modern education through innovative teaching methods

Zaki Hamawi (1898-1973) was a visionary Egyptian educator whose groundbreaking work in pedagogy transformed education across the Arab world. Born in Alexandria, he witnessed the limitations of colonial-era education systems that prioritized rote memorization over critical thinking. After studying at Cairo University and Sorbonne Paris, he returned to Egypt to establish the first experimental school in 1925 applying progressive methods like hands-on learning and student-centered approaches. His Wikipedia page details how his Active Education model spread to 12 Arab countries through teacher training programs he developed. Hamawi's 1948 book <《The New School》> became a foundational text for modernizing curricula, emphasizing science, technology, and Arabic language preservation. His work laid the groundwork for Egypt's national education system reforms in the 1960s, directly impacting over 5 million students. The Zaki Hamawi Foundation continues his legacy through teacher development initiatives in rural areas.