This document presents a proposal for BarakaBits, a digital media platform that aims to change negative narratives in MENA news coverage. It observes that current coverage can be demoralizing, reactive, and fragmented. In contrast, BarakaBits would promote positive, local narratives that are intelligent, inspirational, and uplifting. It would feature stories submitted by users across various topics from the arts to sports to heritage. The document provides statistics on the platform's initial content and partnerships with organizations to crowdsource more stories with the goal of empowering displaced youth and changing stereotypes.

8. 13

11. The Big Idea

13. Demoralizing
Poor Digital
Design
External
Narrative
Reactive
Negative
Ironic
Angry
Pessimistic
Fragmented
Gloomy
Fear
Polluted
Reactive
Repetitive
Agenda
Driven
MENA news
coverage today

15. where do you get your fix?

16. who’s your role model?

17. are you being profiled?

18. what messages?

19. ‫عنه‬ ‫اهلل‬ ‫رضي‬ ‫الخطاب‬ ‫بن‬ ‫-عمر‬
“‫بتركه‬ ‫الباطل‬ ‫بذكره..وأميتوا‬ ‫الحق‬ ‫أحيوا‬ ”
- anonymous
If you want to learn about a
culture, listen to the stories.
If you want to change a culture,
change the stories.

20. “is there a way to be informed in a meaningful,
deeper sense while not immersing ourselves in
the constant barrage of bad news?”

23. Intelligent
Positive
Local
Narrative
Fruitful
Sustainable
Spirited
Hopeful
Collaborative
Inspirational
HappyHealthy
Traditional
Uplifting
Relevant
Good

24. Strictly private and confidential

25. www.BarakaBits.com
Saudi
Filmmaker

26. www.BarakaBits.com
UAE Social
Entrepreneurs

27. www.BarakaBits.com
Triple
threats :)

28. www.BarakaBits.com
World cup
2022
Candidates

29. www.BarakaBits.com
Arab
Women in
the
Olympics

30. www.BarakaBits.com
Demonstrations
of Peace

31. www.BarakaBits.com
Syrian Youth
Unite

32. www.BarakaBits.com
inclusive
community

33. www.BarakaBits.com
breaking
stereotypes

34. www.BarakaBits.com
Heritage in
Iraq

35. www.BarakaBits.com
Parkouring
in Gaza

36. www.BarakaBits.com
Girls Ride in
Egypt

37. Strictly private and confidential
Site Stats
• ~2000 Arabic & English
• Photo, Text, Video BITS
• 30 categories
• covering 19 countries

38. INSPIRE ENGAGE ENABLE

39. create curate converse analyze
TechWadi
Raseef22
3BL Associates
Project Pen
Gaza SkyGeeks
Ashoka
The Impact Hub
Visualizing ImpactNYU-AD

40. #1 employer for displaced Arab Youth

41. TOP
SOCIAL
PUBLISHERS

42. Crowd Sourcing Content

43. HELP US CHANGE THE
NARRATIVE …
Submit your story
BarakaBits.com