-- 55 --and the schools are currently in a transitional phase, and it will take time for the intended organization to be completed. The Ministry of Education has not yet handed over any of the primary schools under its purview to the provincial councils. Last year, it only inspected 475 schools out of a total of 955 schools belonging to the provincial councils. These schools, in their various categories, are directly managed by the provincial councils or receive aid from them. However, seven of these councils have placed all their schools under the inspection of the Ministry of Education. The remaining councils have placed some of their schools under its inspection.

23 - Primary Education From what has been mentioned, it appears that the provincial councils are now responsible for improving and developing the kuttabs that used to receive aid from the Ministry of Education. However, the Ministry of Education still directly supervises 414 kuttabs, most of which are in Cairo. The Awqaf Department had originally entrusted their administration to it. Recent reports indicate that their administration is good, and considering their general conditions, the qualifications of their teachers, and their good equipment, they are considered a model for organizing kuttabs in the provinces.

24 - Primary Education In 1912, there were 7,090 students in the primary boys' schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education, a decrease of 154 students compared to 1911. The average attendance rate was 96 percent of the registered students.

Copts receive religious instruction in 21 of these schools. Muslims continue to advance in skill and competence. A number of established teachers who lacked certificates have been replaced by individuals who obtained diplomas from the Khedivial School or the Egyptian School last summer. Muslims who left their positions were immediately employed in the schools of the provincial councils.

The number of those who applied for the primary certificate decreased compared to 1911. The reason for this is undoubtedly the gradual replacement of the primary certificate by the secondary certificate.