2016 Prizewinners

The Foundation Prize 2016 was awarded by Naïla Saadé, the President of the CMA CGM Foundation, to the PHONAMBULE association. The prize recognizes the amazing work the association does through  musical interventions for young children who are hospitalized or suffering from disabilities. Since 1998, PHONAMBULE has been bringing music to young children in the hospitals of the Var and Bouches du Rhône regions, using it as a therapeutic ally, to relieve their pain and contribute to their well-being.

14 Phonambule musicians pass through the corridors of the hospital in duos each week, in the pediatric department, neonatology department, child surgery and CAMSP (Centre d’action medico-sociale précoce or Early Medical and Social Action Centre). These musical interludes can really make the childrens’ day , which is usually such a long one in their hospital bed, and helps them face the medical care they need with courage. Each year, the association carries out more than 200 interventions for around 15000 people.

On 22 December 2016, the Foundation awarded its annual Prize in Beirut to the NGO “KAYANY” whose mission is to give the most vulnerable young Syrian, refugees in Lebanon, access to a school education and psychological support in this context of crisis. In partnership with the “Center for Civic Engagement and Community service” (CCECS) of the American University of Beirut, KAYANY has built and developed, 4 schools close to the refugee camps, based on the “GHATA” model (the name given to portable schools) which is approved by the Lebanese Minister for Social Affairs. These schools, which all have 9 classes are installed on land rented from Lebanese owners in the villages de Bar Elias, Majdel Anjar and Saadnayel on Békaa plain. They are not set up under tents. They are built with separation walls and are environmentally-friendly.

KAYANY, in partnership with the MALALA Foundation (created by a young Pakistani woman who received the Nobel Prize for her combat against ignorance), manages a school in Bar Elias (2015) and another in  Saadnayel (2016) to provide professional training (auxiliary-nursing, English, computer skills and sewing) to 300 young Syrian girls aged 14-18. This training will allow them to  go to state school in Lebanon and multiply their job opportunities.