T hough not all Egyptians participated directly in the revolution from day one of protests, many individuals and companies have quickly mobilized to continue the effort of reform and change by creating initiatives to encourage civic involvement across communities in Egypt.
Nile Radio Productions is one such company, leading two separate campaigns on their Arabic-language and English-language channels. Leading the call for awareness and involvement by listeners wishing to contribute, 100.6 Nogoom and 104.2 Nile FM have been encouraging listeners to get proactive.
Each radio station has a separate initiative. Nogoom FM is endorsing the “Mowaten Masry” (Egyptian Citizen) campaign, which aims to rebuild Egypt, connecting listeners with pre-existing NGOs whose efforts specifically target people in need.
NGO’s involved in Nogoom FM’s “Mowaten Masry” campaign include Masr El-Kheir, the People Development Foundation, Resala, the Egyptian Food Bank, the Orman Orphanage and Alashanek Ya Balady Association for Sustainable Development.
The aim of “Mowaten Masry” is to support particular areas of activation through these NGOs, including raising donations and supporting medical treatment for those in need; food supplies; the creation of special projects to enhance opportunities for the unemployed; develop youths skills to meet potential employment opportunities; financial support of the disabled; road cleanliness; and when needed, blood drives.
Those wishing to learn more about where they can direct their support and efforts can listen to the now live daily show that airs Sunday to Wednesday from 3-5 pm bearing the same name of the campaign “Mowaten Masry.” Listeners can call or text to the show to get connected to these NGOs.
Meanwhile, Nile FM is focusing on presenting a platform for listeners to engage with one another through their on-air campaign “Give Egypt.”
The English-language station Nile FM has a strong following.
Advertisements for local businesses and products are scheduled amongst chart topping pop songs. Now on air time is dedicated to a daily discussion led by listeners and the station’s radio presenters.
“Yes this is a communication-connecting initiative in essence,” explains programming director and DJ Safi, “but it also aims to raise awareness on the fact that awareness is what we need most at the moment. It is also an encouragement/empowerment initiative for the youth, to give them channels through which they can get involved.”
“We aim to raise awareness about the plights of those most affected, in addition to empowering our phenomenal youth to help rebuild their country themselves. Hence we also invite everyone to share thoughts, ideas, initiatives and volunteer requests by emailing us at [email protected]. Together, we believe we can move forward and help this great nation rise to even greater heights.”
“Give Egypt, for a better future” is the campaign’s tag line — succinct and to the point.
Speaking with passion about the campaign, Safi said, “Personally, I’m hoping that a spirit of engagement comes about from this initiative, capitalizing on the momentum of the youth. We really do need to get engaged in civil service.
“We’d like to promote the idea that giving the community does not necessarily entail financial donations, we’d like to focus on the importance of donating your time, effort, networking skills, ideas, or even just moral support for a certain cause.
“It is of vital importance to help out your community right now, but we are hop[ing] for in the long run, is a sustained engagement between youth and civil service entities.”
Nogoom FM listeners can contact the station to get involved and connected to the NGOs by calling 09000777 from a landline, or 5971 from a mobile, or by sending an sms from 3-5 pm to 1006.
