Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity Opens Applications for 2026 Father of the Year Competition

Ministry of Social Solidarity.

The Ministry of Social Solidarity has announced the opening of applications for the Father of the Year competition for 2026, aiming to promote family values in Egypt and highlight inspiring father figures who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and responsibility.

Applications will be accepted until Monday, June 15, at social solidarity directorates across the country.

The competition will honor 16 exemplary fathers, including ten biological fathers, two fathers of children with disabilities who have shown extraordinary efforts in caring for and integrating their children into society while excelling in sports or arts and sciences, two foster fathers who have cared for children not biologically their own (from care homes), and two fathers of martyrs from the armed forces and the Ministry of Interior. Additionally, several community figures who play a significant role in preserving Egyptian family values will also be recognized.

The Ministry emphasized that the selection criteria for biological fathers or fathers of children with disabilities include a unique story of giving that conveys positive messages to both children and society. Applicants must be at least 50 years old, hold at least a secondary education qualification, and have no more than three children. This requirement is waived for those residing in border governorates such as North Sinai, South Sinai, New Valley, Marsa Matrouh, Red Sea, and Aswan. All children must have completed higher education or be enrolled in educational institutions, promoting entrepreneurship and community service among them.

For foster fathers, criteria include ensuring that the foster child has a university degree and equal treatment regarding education, health care, and affection among all children in the household. The family must provide a nurturing environment conducive to psychological and social well-being. Furthermore, foster families should ideally have biological children alongside those they foster. Preference will be given to families whose foster child or stepchild has achieved high academic standing.

All submitted applications meeting the criteria will be evaluated by a local committee within each directorate to select winners who will then be forwarded to a central committee at the ministry comprised of ministry leaders and partner organizations interested in family welfare. It is important to note that incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline on June 15, 2026, will not be accepted.

The launch of this initiative coincides with celebrations for Positive Parenting Day and Father’s Day on June 21st, which many Arab countries observe annually. The Ministry’s programs aim to support family structures and reinforce the father’s role within Egyptian families while celebrating successful father figures through this initiative.