Who we are:
- We are a small group of people; some of us are primarily UK citizens of Egyptian descent and others living in “Om Eddonia”; as Egypt is called “Mother of the world”. Friends and colleagues, who share our vision and sentiments have joined us in developing our thought, vision and project,
- Some of us are Egyptian nationals, some are indigenous British, and the rest are dual Nationality; British-Egyptian. We strive for a close and balanced relationship between our two countries and aspire to build bridges linking both our two countries.
- We have launched this media platform; timesofegypt.com, in both Arabic and English; targeting issues of interest in both the UK and Egypt and relations between our two countries.
Our Mission Statement:
- To provide a highly professional and modern media platform based on the principles of integrity, courage and the search for truth. Our main aim is to publish news as it happens without prejudice or bias.
- We have the best interest of Egypt “Om EdDonia” at heart. We strive towards the country’s stability and prosperity. We encourage civilized dialogue, interactive communications and respect for different views and opinions. All Egyptians have the right to democratic participation and to learn from the experience of others – democracy is an absolute right and only works in the national interest when it protects the rights of everyone.
- We reject all forms of societal, political and institutional discrimination and violence. We call for the application of – and abidance to -the law. We respect the principles of justice and independence of judicial decisions and the right to challenge them only in the courts, not in the media.
- We will raise issues of public interest. We will criticize actions which are not in the public interest and we will propose constructive alternatives. We aspire to contribute to a comprehensive vision of economic, intellectual and political developments at individual and societal levels to achieve equal opportunities for Egyptian citizens, regardless of ethnicity, colour, gender or religion.
- We urge fellow Egyptians to re-examine their view of the world and promote a practical vision of the future based on citizen participation in public life and shared responsibility for the rebuilding of the country. We encourage efforts to re-develop the civil service, to fight corruption under an efficient administration which will maximize returns from the limited available resources.
- To uphold the right to full and equal citizenship for all those who belong to Om EdDoniaand to promote the right of citizens to a free and dignified democratic life in which power and authority are an accountable responsibility.
- To operate within the real world where relationships are intertwined. We understand there are Egyptians who hold citizenships in other countries, but this should not be a reason to question their patriotism. On the contrary, it makes them ambassadors across nationalities, providing a link between countries and an asset to the creation positive, balanced and equitable relationships.
Our Finance:
- As we take pride in our editorial integrity and independence, we rely on no-strings-attached unconditional funding and donations.
- We aspire to carry advertising from companies and organizations promoting their worthy businesses to an influential audience.
Our Message:
- Our message in Arabic aims at contributing to an enlightened understanding of democratic debate addressing Arabic readership in Egypt and elsewhere.
- Our message in English aims to present Egyptian issues objectively, to readership in the UK and beyond, within a global and regional context.
Issues:
- To take stand against all forms of curtailing freedom of expression, biased opinion, discrimination and human degradation.
- To stand up for the equality of women and shed light on cases of forced marriage, sexual harassment and female genital Mutilation (FGM).
- To contribute to better life in society through reaching to the public explaining the importance of environmental awareness and the dangers of teenage gangs, drugs and knife crime.
Proactive Approach:
- To organise training programs for young aspiring journalists and writers, provide them with work experience with our team and organise work placement for them in other professional media.
- To mentor young aspiring writers and journalists, assess and nourish their capabilities, develop their skill, encourage them to move on to other media organisation and support them with our recommendations.
- To organise public events, in association with other like-minded organisations and local authorities; debating the issues of interest.
- To plan, organise and launch campaigns for environmental awareness, in association with other like-minded organisations and local authorities. Two envisaged campaign ideas are “Plant a Tree” and “clean environment for healthy life”.
Our Work Ethics:
- To abide by the principles of professional integrity and freedom.
- To take a constructive critical stance when it is due.
Our Location:
- We are based in the UK and follow closely events in Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa region. By virtue of the nature of our base, we gain a balanced view of the issues of the day.
- Being, in the UK, a part of a wider information gathering and dissemination network, we can deliver an objective and balanced view as best as possible.
The state of “OmEdDonia”:
The existence of Egypt, Om EdDonia, “the Mother of The World” preceded recorded history and blogging. But as history has moved forward, her pre-eminent role in the world has been weakened with the loss of vigour of her children and their disregard for her well-being. They mean well, but many of them impose their own, narrow vision on what her role should be, ignoring the contributions and viewpoints of other siblings.
At a watershed moment in her history she entrusted her destiny to a group of people who imposed their obsession on her. When she wanted to take charge of her destiny, they reacted with violence. They ignored the importance of consensus and inclusiveness; the collective good of the country.
The only choice possible is an open heart and an open door to everyone, equality in rights and duties.
Healthy cross-fertilization of the visions of nearly 100 million flowers in Om EdDonia’s garden will bring back the smile of optimism – and a better life for all her children.
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