Five girls from the Banat Al Ghad (Banati) Foundation were shortlisted in the Photography Competition A Meaningful Shot of Egypt organized by Al Tak3eiba Center for Cultural Development in collaboration with Al Mesaha Arts & Culture Center. The winners were announced on March 22nd during the gallery hosted at Al Mesaha Arts & Culture Center showcasing contestants' photos. Zainab Essam, one of five girls shortlisted was awarded the first prize, standing out among 204 other contestants. Zainab received a certificate of appreciation in addition to 10 books, and the 5 other shortlisted girls were awarded a certificate of recognition. “We are thrilled that five of our girls were shortlisted in the competition and are very proud of all their hard work and achievements," said Rania Fahmy, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Encouraging our girls to participate in cultural activities is one of our top priorities in helping them increase their confidence and self-esteem," she added. The foundation is devoted to supporting their girls by engaging them in activities that would develop their skills and enhance their creativity. Banati's mission is to provide homeless and endangered children with equal opportunities, assisting their integration into society and ensuring they become skillful women who would contribute significantly in developing the Egyptian society. Teaching the girls photography skills is part of their wider initiative Sawaseyya for Innovative Learning supported by the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. Located in Haram City, Banati is a nonprofit aiming to serve children in street situations (CSS) primarily girls and their offspring (second generation street children). The foundation offers medical and psychological support as well as educational and rehabilitation programs through its shelter, reception center and outreach programs which extend across Greater Cairo and Giza.
