Mobile Environmental Housing Project for Journalists Affected by the Earthquake in Northern Syria
This project benefits 25 individuals working in the media sector and their families
December 12, 2023, 1:34 pm

Mobile Environmental Housing Project for Journalists Affected by the Earthquake in Northern Syria

مشروع السكن البيئي المتنقل للصحفيين المتضررين من الزلزال شمال سوريا

The successful completion of the first phase of the environmentally friendly mobile housing project for journalists affected by the earthquake has been achieved. This project is a collaboration between the Multicultural Center of Paris and the Fondation de France, representing a significant step towards providing support to media professionals and journalists who were severely affected by the earthquake that struck northern Syria in February 2023.

The idea was launched in the context of providing support to earthquake victims, focusing on creating a suitable environment for journalists and media professionals facing significant challenges due to natural disasters, which necessarily impact their work in conveying reality and facts.

Environmentally Mobile Housing

These residences consist of a 21-square-meter housing block equipped with solar panels and batteries, Including all necessary facilities for living, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Additionally, they are made from environmentally friendly materials, minimizing their impact on the environment.

The project targets 25 individuals working in the media along with their families. In the first phase, 12 families, comprising 52 individuals (including 11 women, 29 children), benefited from the project.

Achieving Goals

The completion of the first phase is the result of joint efforts the Multicultural Center of Paris and the Fondation de France. Sakher Edris, the Executive Director of the center, stated, "Our goal is to provide effective and tangible support to media professionals directly affected by the earthquake, contributing to temporary stability, we ensured that the housing is not permanent, allowing for relocation, when necessary, especially since most beneficiaries are displaced, we look forward to expanding the scope of this humanitarian work in the future."

Dallegi Yosr, International Emergencies program manager at Fondation de France, declared: “After 12 years of war, economic shocks, epidemics, around 4 million people in north-west Syria, spread across 1,800 camps and makeshift shelters, find themselves homeless and in extremely precarious conditions. Add to this the earthquake of February 6 which struck the north, killing more than 4,000 people and pushing thousands of Syrians to find refuge elsewhere, often in displaced persons camps.

She added: “Syrian journalists play an essential role in safeguarding a pluralist society, disseminating information within their country and internationally, and keeping the moral conscience of public opinion alive. Often to the detriment of their lives. Already threatened, arrested, and targeted because of their activities, many of them have also been affected by the earthquake and find themselves in a situation of increased vulnerability. We must support Syrian journalists, guarantee them (and their families) dignified living conditions and a secure working environment.”

Journalists who benefited from the project expressed their appreciation for the support received. They mentioned that the environmentally friendly mobile housing helped them rebuild their lives temporarily after the destructive effects of the earthquake on their residences.

The success of the first phase reflects the determination of partners to provide humanitarian support to those working in the sector, considering them the most vulnerable in all regions due to the nature of their work in challenging conditions.

In conclusion, the center extends gratitude to all partners, supporting entities, volunteers, and individuals who contributed to achieving this significant humanitarian accomplishment.

Information for Editors :

Foundation De France (for all causes):

A leading philanthropy network founded in France in 1969, Fondation de France brings together donors, founders, volunteers and project leaders across the country. It adds value by helping everyone to provide effective support to their favorite charitable causes. And its overall aim is to implement useful, tangible and sustainable solutions for the advancement of society.

Multicultural Center of Paris

A multicultural institution based in France, aims to enhance understanding and communication between different cultures and communities in the French style by providing various cultural services and activities, with the aim of enhancing communication and dialogue, paying attention to awareness and social prevention, and preventing programs from being drawn into extremist trends that are alien to all societies.

The center works to enhance cooperation and cultural coexistence in France and abroad, and publishes the “Immigrants Now” website, a social news platform concerned with highlighting the issues of immigrants and refugees and motivating them to integrate into their new societies.

END

To watch a video clip about the project, please click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHb8q66KEFw

For more information, please contact:

Executive Director Sakher Edris at the following contacts:

Mobile: +33 6 21 23 94 00

Email: [email protected]

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.