The delegation, led by Marisol Perez, Director of the Office of Education and Partnerships at USAID, included representatives from the AMIDEAST and USAID Public Universities Scholarship Programme.

Key figures in the group were Quincy Marie Darmory, Director of the Public Universities Scholarship Programme at AMIDEAST, Dina Mohsen, Deputy Director of the Programme, Professors Iman Ibrahim Yaro and Imad Abdel-Malik Mikhail from USAID, alongside the university’s vice presidents, deans, and faculty members. Among them were Professor Abdel-Nasser Anis, former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Director of the Center for Services for Students with Disabilities, and Amr Ismail, Lecturer of Mental Health and Deputy Director of the Centre.

According to Dr. Mohamed Fadl Al-Hadidi, spokesperson for the Media Centre at Damietta University, the event was held under the supervision of AMIDEAST and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, funded by USAID.

The Student Services Centers for Disabled Students were established to address the academic, physical, and societal needs of students with disabilities and promote equal access to higher education. In late September, a delegation from AMIDEAST and USAID visited the university to prepare for the centre's official opening.

The delegation reviewed the centre’s readiness to support 111 students with disabilities, offering resources, activities, and events to help them achieve academic success, integrate into the educational process, and ensure equal opportunities.

For his part, El-Metwally commended the efforts of AMIDEAST and USAID for their support and collaboration with the university. The delegation, led by Quincy Marie Darmory, appreciated the warm reception and praised the university’s modern facilities and high standards.

At the end of the visit, Dina Mohsen met with students with disabilities to discuss their suggestions, needs, and challenges. She also encouraged their participation in the cultural and artistic activities planned for the centre’s official opening.