“Early Start, Grow Smart,” goes the motto of “Al-Murshid al-Saghir” (Arabic for "Young Guide") program that educates children about the value of Egypt’s archaeological and historical wealth and trains them to guide tours for museum visitors. The program, launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities at the end of January, is now running at a number of archaeological sites under the direction of the Department of Archaeological Awareness in Cairo’s Gamaliya district.

The general director of the Cultural Development and Museum Education Department at the Ministry of Antiquities, Rasha Kamal, told Al-Monitor, “The Young Guide program was inspired by the Children’s Museum at the Egyptian Museum launched in 2002. The museum educates children about their country’s archaeological history by organizing plays and artistic activities for children about Egypt’s history and archaeological wealth.”

She said, “The idea was revived by the Departments of Archaeological Awareness [and] the Young Guide program has begun operating in several archaeological sites such as Alexandria’s Marina town, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Muizz Street and Khedivial Cairo.”

There are 30 9-year-olds enrolled in the program.