The Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs Sector at the Faculty of Media, in cooperation with the Hawaa magazine campaign in schools and universities, organized an awareness symposium under the title “Going to Elections,” under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zein El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University and Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs and Prof. Heba Shaheen, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Media.

The symposium was organized and coordinated by Prof. Dina Farouk Abu Zaid, Acting Vice Dean of the Fcaulty for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, Director of the Media Center, and Administrative Supervision, Major General Hossam El-Sherbiny, Assistant Secretary-General for the Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs Sector.

The symposium was hosted by Major General Mohamed Al-Shahawi, Advisor to the Command and Staff College, and Ms. Samar Al-Desouki, editor-in-chief of Hawa magazine, and Dr. Amal Ibrahim is a human development expert and family relations consultant.

Prof. Heba Shaheen welcomed the distinguished guests and in her speech directed the students to the need to participate in the electoral process, pay attention to public affairs, and enhance the cultural and political background. She also invited them to participate in the college’s Student Union elections, stressing to the students that their voice is a trust and they must be positive and effective, especially the students of the College of Information.

Her Excellency pointed out that emotion is not enough, there must be behavior that translates this at that decisive moment and for the people to rally around the nation and its leadership in times of crisis, and we must continue the process and participate with positivity and conviction to choose a president who will continue the process of success and achievements.

Prof. Dina Farouk Abu Zaid thanked Hawaa magazine for launching its campaign in universities from the Faculty of Information, Ain Shams University, and stressed the importance of youth participation in elections to express love and belonging to the homeland, preserve the gains and achievements made on the ground, and present a civilized image of Egypt.

In her speech, she reviewed the necessity of obtaining data on the elections from reliable sources, including the National Elections Authority, national media institutions, Egyptian television, national newspapers, and Egyptian satellite channels. There is important information that must be carefully known, including the program and dates of the election, the procedures followed for the election, and how to know the electoral commission. She stressed the need to adhere to responsibility. We do not transmit any information or news except after verifying its authenticity, credibility, and objectivity.

In his speech to the youth, Major General Mohamed Al-Shahawi pointed out the importance of participating in this pivotal moment, as choosing a candidate depends on who can complete and develop the achievements and maintain the stability that we now enjoy in Egypt. He stressed that voting in the elections is a trust and a national duty.

Ms. Samar Al-Desouki urged the students to go to the elections to convey an honorable image to the world. She pointed to the concept of national belonging, which is born with the individual through his connection to his parents and the land in which he was born, and grows further through the institutions of society represented by school, family, media and the possibility of building the self and achieving our goals in a society that adopts our ideas and dreams and protects us, therefore. There must be interaction and awareness of the need to participate positively and enthusiastically.

Dr. Amal Ibrahim, during her speech in the symposium, defined rumors and their negative impact on the nation and the citizen, and touched on their types, including flowing rumors that include statements and comments flowing on social media through the circulation of false news, and they often come in conjunction with specific times, including the periods that precede the presidential elections in particular. She stressed that women have gained rights that they did not enjoy before, so women must be influential and positive by participating in the elections.

On the sidelines of the symposium, the guests were honored and the faculty shield was presented to them in appreciation.