The Minister of Culture meets with members of the Pygmies Association to discuss ways to support them and integrate their band's folk arts into the ministry's activities.

Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture, met with Mr. Essam Shehata, Chairman of the Egyptian Pygmies Association, and his accompanying delegation . the meeting was attended by writer Mohamed Abdel Hafez Nasef, Vice President of the General Organization of Culture Palaces, to discuss frameworks for enhancing cooperation and ways to integrate them into the ministry's activities and events. During the meeting, several obstacles facing the work of the Pygmies Band for Folk Arts in Alexandria were reviewed, as well as mechanisms for integrating them into the activities of the Ministry of Culture. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano stressed that the Ministry of Culture will continue to support all talents in society, which is one of the priorities of the political leadership.

The Minister of Culture directed to quickly resolve the obstacles facing the band, including providing a suitable headquarters for training members, providing suitable clothing, and paying their overdue financial dues, in addition to preparing a program for their participation and special performances in events organized by the ministry. The Minister of Culture confirmed that he will attend one of the band's performances after resolving all obstacles.

For his part, Essam Shehata and the accompanying delegation expressed their happiness with this meeting and their full confidence in the political leadership's support for them and all talented people, noting that the band is the first Egyptian folk arts band for short people and is approved by the Ministry of Culture. He also thanked the Minister of Culture for his quick response to their demands and his support for their cause.

The writer Mohamed Abdel Hafez Nasef confirmed that the work will begin immediately to quickly resolve all obstacles and implement the Minister of Culture's directives in this regard, pointing out that the band will participate in the first Challenge Arts Festival, which will be organized by the General organization of Culture Palaces next December.

It is worth noting that the Alexandria Pygmies Folk Arts Troupe is the first troupe accredited by the Ministry of Culture in this regard. It consists of 25 members, including dancers and administrators, and it has participated in several events, including the “Our Children” Festival for people with special needs.