Three Surprising Projects Just Won a Major Education Prize

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-10-28

When you think about improving education, what comes to mind? Maybe new textbooks, better teacher training, or smaller class sizes. But sometimes the most powerful changes start with something as simple as a classroom that actually works. That's the idea behind the Hamdan–ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. And the fifth edition just announced its winners: three projects from Egypt, Guinea, and Pakistan. Each one found a way to make learning spaces better, often against tough odds. ### What the Prize Is All About The prize is a joint effort by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). It recognizes grassroots projects that improve school buildings and learning environments. Think of it as a spotlight on the people who roll up their sleeves and fix the roof, build the desks, or create a safe place for kids to learn. Why does this matter? Because a crumbling classroom can undo even the best lesson plan. When students have a clean, safe, and well-equipped space, everything else gets easier. Attendance goes up, stress goes down, and learning actually happens. ### The Three Winners at a Glance - **Egypt:** A project that transformed an overcrowded school into a model of efficiency and comfort. They didn't just add space; they rethought how the space is used. - **Guinea:** An initiative that brought together local volunteers to rebuild a school that had fallen into disrepair. It's a story of community ownership and sweat equity. - **Pakistan:** A program that focused on making schools more resilient to natural disasters, ensuring that education doesn't stop when the earth shakes. Each winner gets more than just a trophy. They get recognition, funding, and a platform to share their approach with others. That's how good ideas spread. ### Why This Matters Beyond the Islamic World You might be wondering: what does this have to do with me, sitting in the United States? Plenty. The challenges these projects tackle—overcrowding, disrepair, disaster resilience—are universal. Schools in rural America face similar issues. The solutions these winners found might spark ideas for communities here too. Plus, it's a reminder that education is a global effort. When we share what works, everyone benefits. The Hamdan–ICESCO Prize is a way to do exactly that. > "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela And sometimes, changing the world starts with changing a lightbulb in a classroom. ### The Bottom Line These three projects remind us that improving education isn't always about grand policies. It's about people who see a problem and decide to fix it. Whether it's in Egypt, Guinea, Pakistan, or your own backyard, that spirit is worth celebrating. So next time you hear about a school renovation or a community clean-up, remember these winners. They're proof that small actions can lead to big changes.