Latest news with #MisrInternationalUniversity
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Friendship through baking - Living - Al-Ahram Weekly
A group of students has been holding social baking events to encourage people to join an interactive experience grounded in human connections. At a time when social media addiction, isolation, and constant scrolling can dominate our daily lives, a group of eight university students decided to break the digital barrier with the warmth of outdoor baking. The group, dubbed maamoula fi magmoua (made in a group), is a graduation project created by eight senior students from the Faculty of Mass Communication at Misr International University. It reimagines social gatherings through an interactive experience grounded in human connections. It seeks to transform a simple act – baking bread – into a dynamic space for communication, interaction, and the building bridges of acceptance and respect. The students believe this experience can revive essential human values such as understanding, sharing, and coexistence, which may be being increasingly lost in modern lifestyles. By promoting social baking, the students aim to shift people away from passive digital consumption towards live and face-to-face human interaction. The initiative began when the students gathered at one of their homes several months ago to prepare kahk, traditional biscuits, for the Eid. The experience sparked the idea and laid the foundation for their project. 'It was a warm and friendly gathering,' they recalled. 'Perry would explain how to mix the ghee with the flour. Thomas curated a playlist, adding joy and fun and even sprinkling us with flour. Julia and Hossam documented the event, posting it on social media. And we were all grateful to Jenny, whose passion for baking inspired new ideas.' Parthena, one of the students, said that baking is a sensory experience associated with comfort and nostalgia. 'The smell of baking reminds people of home, warmth, and childhood,' she said. 'We encourage people to return to the joy of baking together in order to collaborate, create, and connect.' 'Our target audience is young adults aged 25 to 35. They're the most addicted to social media and the ones who most need genuine human interaction and relationships.' The project was brought to life with a small mobile cart equipped with a waffle maker, a pancake machine, and recipe cards printed on cardboard. The students rolled the cart into the University garden and organised an interactive baking day event. Many of the participants had no prior experience of baking, but the team was there to help. Carol, a senior student, said that 'I asked people on the street about their understanding of social baking, but I found that it wasn't widely known even among young people. Some tried to interpret the name as a reference to gathering and reminiscing while baking. Those who had experienced something similar lit up with joy as they recalled those memories.' Andrew, another team member, said that 'we wanted to make baking easier for those without experience by allowing them to decorate baked goods. For example, we made heart-shaped cookies and asked the participants to decorate them.' The students also shared a variety of recipes on social media, with cookies and waffles proving to be the most popular. RECIPES: To make the cookies made at the social baking event, you will need two cups of sifted white flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, one cup of butter, one cup of sugar, two eggs, three packets of vanilla extract, one cup of chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Place the butter in a bowl and beat it until soft. Add the sugar and beat again until the mixture becomes creamy. Add the first egg and beat until it disappears into the mixture. Then add the second egg and the vanilla and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring with a spoon until fully combined. Mix in the chocolate chips or sprinkle them on top after shaping. Shape the dough into small balls, place them on a baking tray, and bake until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. To make the group's fluffy golden waffles, you will need two cups of flour, two tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoon of baking powder, two eggs, one and three-quarter cups of milk, a third of a cup of vegetable oil, one teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix). Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with oil or butter. Pour in an appropriate amount of batter, close the iron, and let cook for three to five minutes until golden brown. Serve with honey, chocolate, or fruit. The students spared no effort in promoting their initiative. They visited a pasta and pizza restaurant, where they rolled up their sleeves and made their own pasta and pizza, documenting the experience with videos and sharing it on social media. Parthena recalled that one restaurant generously opened its kitchen to the team, allowing them to bake bread and share it with customers in a lively and entertaining atmosphere. The project also caught the attention of several food bloggers, including the blogger Nehal who joined the students at a popular restaurant to share the experience and featured it on her social media platforms. The initiative reached a wider audience when the team was invited to appear on a satellite TV channel for a live cookie-making segment hosted by chef Hassan. The chef praised the project, describing it as a brilliant idea not only for its human and social impact but also for its potential as a promising entrepreneurial venture. Parthena said that the project is currently a non-profit initiative and remains strictly a graduation project. While the group may consider expanding it into a business in the future, she stressed that their current focus is entirely on the project's message and societal value. The students take pride in leading a graduation project that breaks from academic convention, offering a new model of activity that blends creativity, real-world interaction, and meaningful social impact. The group hopes that their initiative will serve as an open invitation to rediscover the human connections people may often overlook through simple, shared moments spent baking, dreaming, and growing closer together. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Salma Abu Deif Teams Up with Diab for First Time in TV Series "Beng Koli"
Yara Sameh Egyptian actress Salma Abu Deif is joining hands with actor-singer Diab for the first time in the TV series "Beng Koli". The 15-episode drama is written by Mohamed Soliman Abdelmalek, directed by Nadine Khan, and produced by Abdallah Abu El Fettouh. Abu Deif made her latest appearance on the small screen in the 2024 TV series "Aala Nesbet Moshahda" (Highest Viewership), and Diab in the TV series "Alby We Moftaho." Moreover, Abu Deif is reuniting with Ahmed Dawood in 'Azma,' a film based on iconic author Mohamed Sadek's 2020 novel, which has been a bestseller for years. Rising actress Jessica Hossam Eldin is also set to star in the pic. The adaptation marks the third collaboration between Abu Deif and Dawood after the 2020 TV series 'Zienhom' and the 2022 high-end Arabic remake of 'Suits'. It is scripted by Sadek, who will make his feature directorial debut with the upcoming project, and is set to be produced by Hany Osama's The Producers. Abu Deif will be seen next in the long-awaited sequel to ' Hepta: The Last Lecture '. The pic also stars Mohamed Mamdouh, Menna Shalaby, Karim Fahmy, Asmaa Galal, Karim Kassem, Mayan El Sayed, Hassan Malek, and Gihan El Shamashergy. Prominent director Hady El Bagory and screenwriter Mohamed Sadek reunited for a sequel. The script is penned from a story by Sadek, who co-wrote the pic alongside Mohamed Galal. Born on February 2, 1993, Abu Deif began her acting career at age 20 as an editorial model whilst attaining a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication at Misr International University. She also studied at Stella Adler acting studio in New York for the summer Conservatory. In 2017, Abu Deif made her first television appearance as an actress in two of the biggest TV Ramadan series, "Halawet EL Donia" and "Lah Totfea EL Shams". Shortly after, Abu Deif made her first film appearance in the critically acclaimed Egyptian film 'Sheikh Jackson' that has taken part in numerous International Film Festivals around the world, garnering international attention for the impressive, yet controversial nature of the film. In 2024, Abu Deif landed her first lead role in the TV series "Aala Nesbet Moshahda" (Highest Viewership). read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
See - Sada Elbalad
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Salma Abu Deif Lands New TV Role
Yara Sameh Egyptian actress Salma Abu Deif will be returning to the small screen very soon. Abu Deif has landed her next TV role in a new 15-episode drama from scriptwriter Mohamed Soliman Abdel Malek. She made her latest appearance on the small screen in the 2024 TV series "Aala Nesbet Moshahda" (Highest Viewership). The cast also includes Mohamed Mahmoud, Mohamed Shahin, Ahmed Fahim, Entesar, Layla Ahmed Zaher, and more. The series consists of 15 episodes and was screened during the Ramadan 2024 drama marathon. Moreover, Abu Deif is reuniting with Ahmed Dawood in 'Azma,' a film based on iconic author Mohamed Sadek's 2020 novel, which has been a bestseller for years. Rising actress Jessica Hossam Eldin is also set to star in the pic. The adaptation marks the third collaboration between Abu Deif and Dawood after the 2020 TV series 'Zienhom' and the 2022 high-end Arabic remake of 'Suits'. It is scripted by Sadek, who will make his feature directorial debut with the upcoming project, and is set to be produced by Hany Osama's The Producers. Abu Deif will be seen next in the long-awaited sequel to ' Hepta: The Last Lecture '. The pic also stars Mohamed Mamdouh, Menna Shalaby, Karim Fahmy, Asmaa Galal, Karim Kassem, Mayan El Sayed, Hassan Malek, and Gihan El Shamashergy. Prominent director Hady El Bagory and screenwriter Mohamed Sadek reunited for a sequel. The script is penned from a story by Sadek, who co-wrote the pic alongside Mohamed Galal. Born on February 2, 1993, Abu Deif began her acting career at age 20 as an editorial model whilst attaining a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication at Misr International University. She also studied at Stella Adler acting studio in New York for the summer Conservatory. In 2017, Abu Deif made her first television appearance as an actress in two of the biggest TV Ramadan series, "Halawet EL Donia" and "Lah Totfea EL Shams". Shortly after, Abu Deif made her first film appearance in the critically acclaimed Egyptian film 'Sheikh Jackson' that has taken part in numerous International Film Festivals around the world, garnering international attention for the impressive, yet controversial nature of the film. In 2024, Abu Deif landed her first lead role in the TV series "Aala Nesbet Moshahda" (Highest Viewership). read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Salma Abu Deif and Ahmed Dawood Reteam for "Azma" Film Adaptation
Yara Sameh Salma Abu Deif has joined Ahmed Dawood in 'Azma,' a film based on iconic author Mohamed Sadek's 2020 novel, which has been a bestseller for years. Rising actress Jessica Hossam Eldin is also set to star in the pic. The adaptation marks the third collaboration between Abu Deif and Dawood after the 2020 TV series 'Zienhom' and the 2022 high-end Arabic remake of 'Suits'. It is scripted by Sadek, who will make his feature directorial debut with the upcoming project, and is set to be produced by Hany Osama's The Producers. Abu Deif will be seen next in the long-awaited sequel to ' Hepta: The Last Lecture '. The pic also stars Mohamed Mamdouh, Menna Shalaby, Karim Fahmy, Asmaa Galal, Karim Kassem, Mayan El Sayed, Hassan Malek, and Gihan El Shamashergy. Prominent director Hady El Bagory and screenwriter Mohamed Sadek reunited for a sequel. The script is penned from a story by Sadek, who co-wrote the pic alongside Mohamed Galal. Abu Deif made her last onscreen appearance in the 2024 film " Leeh Teasheha Lewahdak ", starring Khaled El Sawy and Sherif Mounir. The official logline for the film reads: "A doctor seeks to stand by his friend who is suffering from cancer, and the duo goes through many difficult situations and experiences." Born on February 2, 1993, Abu Deif began her acting career at age 20 as an editorial model whilst attaining a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication at Misr International University. She also studied at Stella Adler acting studio in New York for the summer Conservatory. In 2017, Abu Deif made her first television appearance as an actress in two of the biggest TV Ramadan series, "Halawet EL Donia" and "Lah Totfea EL Shams". Shortly after, Abu Deif made her first film appearance in the critically acclaimed Egyptian film 'Sheikh Jackson' that has taken part in numerous International Film Festivals around the world, garnering international attention for the impressive, yet controversial nature of the film. In 2024, Abu Deif landed her first lead role in the TV series "Aala Nesbet Moshahda" (Highest Viewership). read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Akher El Shahr: How Gen Z are teaching themselves money smarts - Style - Life & Style
A student-led campaign is proving that financial literacy doesn't need to come from a textbook to make a difference. With inflation rising, the pound weakening, and household budgets under pressure, many young Egyptians are navigating more than just economic hardship — they're grappling with a crisis of financial confidence. For Gen Z, the stress of running out of money before payday isn't rare; it's routine. That's where Akher El Shahr (End of the Month) comes in — a financial literacy campaign created by eight Mass Communication seniors at Misr International University: Sarah Osman, Lama Abdelgelil, Layla Ahmed Hosny, Jana Yasser, Eyad Sadek, Malak Tarek, Rahaf Essam, and Reitage Alaa. Far more than a graduation project, the campaign is a savvy, culturally attuned response to a gaping hole in formal financial education. Supervised by Dr Nihal El Kharadly and teaching assistant Salma El Samanoudy, the team's research revealed a stark picture: just 26 percent of surveyed Egyptian Gen Zs felt confident in their financial knowledge. Nearly 80 percent reported frequent money-related stress, and 72 percent said they wanted more structured education on personal finance — but weren't getting it. Many young people turn to social media, and schools and universities fall short. The campaign found that two-thirds of respondents learn more about money from Instagram influencers than classrooms. But that comes with risks. 'Misinformation is very common,' says Danny Arafa of the investment platform THNDR. 'Between crypto hype and get-rich-quick schemes, there's a lot of noise out there.' Akher El Shahr takes a different approach. Instead of dry lectures or spreadsheets, it uses Instagram carousels, reels, and bold graphics to break down budgeting, saving, and investing — all in the slangy, Franco-Arabic vernacular Gen Z uses. 'Financial literacy shouldn't be boring or disconnected from our reality,' says Osman. 'We wanted to make something that felt like it was made for us.' The tone is casual, accessible, and grounded in everyday struggles. 'We're using the platforms and the language that people our age are already engaging with,' adds Layla Hosny. The campaign's Instagram page is clean, punchy, and well-designed—no small feat in an oversaturated digital landscape. While still in its early days, it's already gaining traction. There is plenty of room to grow: partnerships with finance professionals or trusted influencers could boost credibility, and interactive tools like live Q&As or polls could deepen engagement. But for now, Akher El Shahr is a clear sign that Gen Z isn't waiting around to be taught money skills—they're teaching themselves. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
