Following the invitation of the Coordinating Committee of the World Poetry Movement (WPM) to discuss the plans for the World Poetry School Project, I turned to the poets of Egypt, seeking guidance from their ideas.

In my opinion, this school is intended for poets from all over the world who wish to follow an international educational path, delve deeper into their works, and create connections and communication with their peers around the globe. Behind every struggle, there must be instructions that bring new generations closer together.

I believe that, in its first phase, the school will develop a unique program characterized by continuity and levels, with different modules that should be organized as a curriculum. This way, poets can progress according to their levels and interests. Moreover, the World Poetry Movement should create a common

component that appreciates and respects differences and brings us closer together.

The movement’s members also announced that the project will include dialogue sessions with internationally recognized poets, addressing the urgent issues of our time, such as: wars, nuclear threats, the rise of the far-right, colonialism, and environmental deterioration. These veteran poets can share their experiences, given their wisdom, and because many young poets want to listen to them.

Students will meet in an online space. There must be a base language with simultaneous translation — starting with the major languages — within the courses. There cannot be a World Poetry School without including continents and countries. Later on, specific content can be developed from different countries, and the modules should gradually be translated into various languages.

Next week, a pilot workshop on poetry will start in Asia, which can be seen as a step towards implementing the World Poetry School. A shared curriculum is crucial, and the

World Poetry Movement must ensure that everyone is on the same page according to the same curriculum, of course, tailored to each nation’s culture.

In Egypt, under the title “Schools of Poetry: Lamps of Beauty”, the poet Mo’men Sameer wrote: “The World Poetry Movement continues to prove its nobility and moral strength every day by addressing all issues that touch human dignity and freedom, which is precisely what the great art of poetry stands for. For this reason, I was delighted and engaged with its inspiring idea of establishing poetry schools everywhere possible, to preserve the glow of this art and keep it as a shield against the erosion of beauty. However, if we bring the idea to reality, we may find practical difficulties standing in its way. If I try to focus my thoughts on my country, Egypt, I see that the path to overcoming these practical challenges can be achieved in two ways: the first is an official path, and the second is a civic one — and it is preferable to combine both. Therefore, cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture is essential through protocols between the World Poetry Movement and the ministry, allowing the movement to benefit from cultural venues, such as the Supreme Council of Culture, the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, the General Egyptian Book Organization, and the Cultural Development Fund, among others. These institutions have the expertise to implement various cultural ideas and plans and can leverage their widespread venues across the republic for holding lectures and lessons on the history of poetry, critical theories addressing this ancient art, and the works of poets across all ages.”

The Egyptian poet Mo’men Sameer concluded by saying: “When considering funding and promoting this great idea, the role of civil society organizations and entities that believe in this idea and understand its importance becomes vital. Additionally, official sponsors from the business sector, who are willing to invest in such a cultural project, can be approached. It is also important to publish poetic, critical, and cultural books, encyclopedias, and anthologies through these schools. Regular competitions should be organized to discover new poets and renew interest in genuine poetic projects. Of course, there must be multiple media channels to express the noble ideas of the project and follow its progress.”

The poet and visual artist Mohamed Okasha commented on the initiative of the World Poetry School adopted by the World Poetry Movement: “It is a great idea that deserves attention. I suggest establishing connections with cultural centers in every country for easier communication and for organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences. Additionally, translation should be a fundamental component of this initiative. The creation of several channels dedicated to poetry to present the principles of the school, exchange cultural experiences, and highlight the cultural heritage that distinguishes each society is essential. The initiative is ambitious and somewhat emotional, especially in light of the dominance of materialism, the language of power, the hegemony of globalization, and polarization. It is a truly humanitarian goal that requires devoted individuals ready to make sacrifices.”

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Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"