'Sakker El Dekkene,' the Lebanese NGO that fights corruption in Lebanon, has been awarded the first Wajih Ajouz Award (WAA). Launched by the Samir Kassir Eyes (SKeyes), the award focus on promoting human rights, freedom of expression and civic participation by honoring the best online activism campaign.
'Sakker El Dekkene' was ranked first by both the public and jury based on concept, execution and efficiency. The final decision was built on 40% of internet-using public voting and the jury's score accounted for the remaining 60%.
The award was presented during a lovely ceremony that took place on Friday, October 17th at the French Institute on Damascus Roadin the presence of Ms. Angelina Eichhorst, EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Ms. Giselle Khoury, President of the Samir Kassir Foundation, and Mr. Patrice Paoli, French Ambassador to Lebanon, in addition to more than 400 people including a crowd of social media specialists.
A discussion panel of several social media experts from different Arab countries followed the award distribution ceremony where the role of social networks and the online media in the Arab world was deliberated. Afterwards, 'Sakker El Dekkene' participated in a workshop entitled "Can Online Media Help Civil Society's Advocacy Role?" in which aspects of successful online advocacy campaigns were discussed. A cocktail party at Les Pins Residences, courtesy of the French Embassy, then followed.
'Sakker El Dekkene,' has dedicated the award to the whole SED team and volunteers and considers this award as recognition to all the hard work and contributions to fight corruption and built a better Lebanon.
The SED online campaign was builtto support a large number of events and activities and raise hope in young citizens who firmly believe in the need of change.
SED's objectives are to raise awareness and encourage the young to fight against corruption, as it is an impediment to the proper functioning of public institutions and democracy at large. These activities fall under a wider scope that aims to launch a debate on a national level and initiate change. Every citizen can refuse corruption and report it through the NGO's website www.sakkera.com, its smart phone App ('sakkera' on iOS and Android) and its hotline (76 80 80 80).
