Yesterday was a good day for me. I was invited by the National Youth Council in Cairo to give an open interview and speak to many young Egyptians. For over two hours I gladly answered all their questions and talked about current and future plans to protect and preserve Egyptian monuments. I wanted to hear their opinions and thoughts on the future of Egyptian heritage.

We discussed Egyptian history and how they should be proud of it. A person asked why history in school is not as interesting or exciting as when I talk about it. I told him I got in touch with the Minister of Education a while ago about making the history curriculum more engaging for children. Teaching history should be informal sometimes, outside of the classroom, using museums and sites to enhance lessons.

I asked the audience how many of them have been to Giza to see the pyramids. It was sad when I saw a few hands in the air. I offered them all a trip to Giza on my expense and they all wanted to do it. I also want them to have the opportunity to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and see an example of a project employing young Egyptians. Built in the shadow of the pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum will be the biggest museum, showcasing the art and artifacts of ancient Egypt. It will be a museum we can all be proud of, part of our legacy. I think it is inspirational to see young Egyptians graduate and work for the Ministry of State for Antiquities on project such as this, and in museums and on sites across the country.

Another person asked if slaves built the pyramids. I told them this never happened. The Egyptian people built the pyramids as a national project, to demonstrate what they were capable of. This should encourage us, and we should work to protect their legacy and create ours. I think it is important for young people to be passionate and motivated, to work hard for future generations. The revolution was a great achievement and now we should keep moving forward.

I enjoyed the open interview very much and it was inspiring to see the optimism and enthusiasm of young Egyptians.

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