(Photo by Yahia Diwar)
A group of graduating journalism students at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) published the first issue of ‘Platform’ magazine, targeting foreigners’ and refugees’ issues in Egypt, on Saturday.
The magazine, presented as a graduation project, seeks to advocate for mutual understanding and respect among Egyptians and non-Egyptians living in the country. It also seeks to cover the untold stories of people from all nationalities who have found a home in Egypt, and to highlight their struggles and successes.
With a special focus on refugees’ issues, ‘Platform’ includes stories about Sub-Saharan African domestic workers in Egyptian homes, the forgotten Palestinian community on Fadel’s Island in Sharqeya, and the attempts of illegal migration by African and Syrian refugees in Egypt.
“We want to show both Egyptians and non-Egyptians that Egypt is a home for many races, nationalities and cultures,” said Sarah Magdy, 22, a student and journalism intern. “This should be an asset and a privilege,” she added.
The magazine also explores the lives of historical public figures, and how foreigners influenced and were influenced by living in Egypt.
The spotlight section of the magazine tells the story of renowned poet C. P. Cavafy, “a Greek man with an Alexandrian Heart”, who lived in Alexandria more than 100 years ago, and addresses Egypt’s neglect of modern Greek literature.
“We initiated this project to be able to talk to and about foreigners and refugees’ communities in Egypt,” Menna Ayman, another student working on the project, said.
In another story, the magazine goes to Fayoum to paint a picture of Tunis village, which has found international fame for its pottery, ceramics and art community.
“Tunis seems to be a place from outside Egypt,” Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the third student of the group, said. “People from all nationalities visit Tunis for various purposes: pottery, bird watching and eco tourism, but it is still little-known to Egyptians.”
