Egyptian media professional Noor Shaaban receives regional recognition through Basmat Nour, the association he founded to empower young people raised in care institutions.
An Egyptian youth-led initiative has received international recognition at the 2026 Sharjah Government Communication Award. Basmat Nour Association, founded by Noor Shaaban, won the Best Youth Initiative in Communication category.
The award recognizes the association’s work supporting young people and challenging stereotypes surrounding those raised in care institutions. The ceremony took place in Sharjah on November 2, during the 13th edition of the awards.
For Shaaban, the recognition carries a personal significance. Having grown up in institutional care himself, he founded Basmat Nour to create opportunities for young people facing similar circumstances.
His experience helped shape the association’s approach. Rather than focusing only on immediate support, its work aims to build confidence, encourage participation, and create opportunities for long-term independence.
Turning personal experience into community impact
One of Basmat Nour’s central challenges is confronting the social stigma associated with growing up in care institutions.
Young people leaving these environments can face barriers when entering education, employment, and wider society. Negative assumptions can affect their confidence and limit opportunities for integration.
The association addresses these challenges through awareness campaigns in schools and universities. Its initiatives encourage communities to recognize the abilities and potential of young people raised in care.
The aim is to change how society understands their experiences. It also seeks to give young people greater visibility and a stronger voice in discussions affecting their futures.
Building connections through sport
Among the association’s initiatives is Gosour, a sports program designed to encourage social integration.
The program brings young adults who have left care institutions together with employees from private companies. Football tournaments for men and women create opportunities for interaction beyond traditional social boundaries.
Sport becomes a practical way to build relationships. It also allows participants to develop confidence through shared activities and teamwork.
Basmat Nour’s wider work extends into education, arts, sports, and economic empowerment. The association aims to identify young people’s talents and connect them with opportunities to develop those abilities.
Recognition that opens new opportunities
The Sharjah Government Communication Award provides regional visibility for the initiative. It also highlights the role of communication in supporting community development.
Following the recognition, Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity pledged to cover Shaaban’s doctoral study fees. The commitment adds an educational opportunity to the achievement.
The award also draws attention to a broader issue. Young people raised in institutional care should have opportunities to participate in society without being defined by their backgrounds.
Basmat Nour’s work places that idea at the center of its activities. Its approach combines awareness, practical programs, and opportunities for young people to shape their own futures.
For Shaaban, the recognition represents more than an individual milestone. It reflects the potential of initiatives built around lived experience and a commitment to community change.
Through Basmat Nour, he is working to ensure that young people who have faced difficult beginnings can access opportunities to build independent and meaningful lives.
