Vadim Zaychikov, director of the Russian Cultural Centres in Egypt, toured the council’s pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair (21 January – 3 February), accompanied by Sherif Gad, cultural activities director at the Russian House in Cairo, and the Russian poet-journalist Maxim Zamshev, who is participating in the book fair for the first time.
They were received by Eman Karim, general supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
The visit underscores expanding cultural dialogue and joint initiatives aimed at empowering people with disabilities and integrating them more fully into Egypt’s cultural life, particularly through major public platforms such as the Cairo International Book Fair.
Karim briefed the delegation on the council’s activities for children and youth with disabilities during the fair, which include cultural programmes, intellectual discussions, and skills-development initiatives designed to promote inclusion and creativity.
The council organized a series of specialized artistic and educational workshops for children with disabilities, including recycling workshops, doll-making using simple materials, a drawing workshop titled “Draw Your Dream,” and a session on using artificial intelligence to improve accessibility and daily life for persons with disabilities.
It also hosted five individual talks under the title “Exceptionally Inspiring,” featuring athletes, artists, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and advocates supporting disability issues, who shared personal stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Zaychikov praised the quality of products made by persons with disabilities on display at the pavilion, including jewellery, paintings, handicrafts, bags, and carpets, describing them as “finely crafted.”
At the end of the visit, Zaychikov and Karim agreed to hold further meetings to coordinate joint cultural activities in the near future.
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