It is still hot in the shade of the palm trees and stuccoed
buildings on the American University in Cairo’s (AUC) downtown campus. Groups
of refugees sit around on wicker chairs. Everyone is here to learn about journalism. Munzalak is a new
organization that aims to get refugees living in Egypt involved in the media
and in command of their own voice. The name translates to “your comfortable
place,” like a home from home – the one you were forced to leave.
Every weekend Munzalak hires out a room at AUC. Refugees are invited
to come along and learn the basics of journalism for free. Aurora Ellis, a news
editor for an international news agency, runs the workshops with aim of
producing “articles that deal with refugee issues and with the refugee
experience.” The ultimate aim is to give refugees a space to voice their
experiences. A blog on Munzalak’s website publishes pieces written by refugees
(with the option of writing under a pseudonym) while training goes on and –
organizers hope – more people join.
