UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1942-10-16_Page-066

- 300 reechoed from the platforms of other organizations and the press through many articles. A natural reaction was the establishment of the Ministry of Social Wel-fare in 1939, and the declaration of its promising program of reform. The question which now arises is: "How to do it?" To answer this question adequately, one needs, 'first, to define the specific aims of Egypt in its different aspects of life and then work out a plan for achieving these aims. This year's program of lectures was devoted to answering this question. The first term program aimed at creating interest afresh in Egypt's main social problems; viz. problems of youth, of students, of the family, of labourers & workmen, of peasants, of the government employees, and the series was concluded by a lecture on the problem of legislators in Egypt (see Appendix I) . These seven lectures pre-pared the ground for the second term program, which was formulated to serve two purposes; first, to set an aim, a definite goal towara which Egypt must drive; and second, to work out a practical plan as to how to reach this goal. The general theme of the lecture program was "Egypt after a Leuarter of a Century." Under this heading eight topics were dealt with, viz; the social, political, spiritual, scientific, artistic, recreational and economic life of the country. In each of these topics, the lecturer set an aim which could be achieved in 25 years and pre-scribed methods of achievement. This theme was very attractive to both lecturers and audiences. Both terms were a success whether measured by the number in attendance, the material given or the way it was received. The average attendance al' 446 tops by far the average over the last five years. The lecturers were frank and practical. To illustrate let me mention the lecture on "the Problems of the Government Employees" given by Dr. Ahmed Bey Zaki. The government employees form a distinct social class and have a feeling that they do much and get very little. Consequently, there is continuous dissatisfaction and grumbling which indeed uses up their energy and interest. In his lecture, Dr. Ahmed Zaki Bey very courageously and humorously but also truthfully denounced the superiority complex, and the undependable and irresponsible spirit which prevails among this class. He was very clever in dis-closing the unsound ways of dealing of both the higher and tie lower employees. This lecture was so true that it raised no protest and was, we hope, a healthy stimulus to this class of Egyptian society. One other illustration is the lecture given by Dr. Bahei el Din Barakat Pasha, ex-President of the Chamber of Deputies on "Egypt's Economic Life." This question had been superficially treated and sometimes wilfully twisted by political leaders who put all the blame on foreggn establishments which, they say, "absorb Egypt's wealth." The new law for the compulsory use of the Arabic language in such establishments and for the employment of a high percentage of Egyptians are attempts to solve the increasingly grave white collar problem. Bahei el Din Barakat Pasha, in his lecture, courageously went to the roots of the problem. He dealt with the unjust distribution of wealth and referred to the present unfair laws of taxation. He mentioned the recommendations made to the Senate to change these laws into a graded scale income tax, and the inheritance dues laws all of which had been rejected, by the Senate whose: members are landowners. Bahei el Din Barakat Pasha, although a very wealthy landowner, made most unselfish suggestions to narrow the enormous gap between economic classes in Egypt. He himself has done much to better the standard of living of hi, dependents. His daring suggestions reached a very wide circle and had strong repercussions in public opinion. Not only was his lecture broadcast and commented upon by several papers, but also it was printed and copies mailed to members of Parliament; and only one copy was refused and sent backe. It is by means of such vigorous and dynamic lectures that a change can be affected. The establishment of a bureau for scientific study of Egypt's social tree .s was a direct result of another lecture. The following quotation from a letter sen