Children and young people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) often grow up in regions...
Children and young people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) often grow up in regions plagued by conflict, insecurity, harmful social practices, and restrictions. SAT-7’s satellite TV programs and digital content for children and youth provide a safe space where they can learn of God’s love for them, while also developing important life skills to navigate life’s challenges.
SAT-7 is committed to meeting the next generation where they already are, whether this is in front of the television screen, a computer, or a phone. Covering a broad range of concepts, topics, and styles, SAT‑7 produces eye-catching and engaging content for young people and children in three languages on four TV channels, as well as on the SAT‑7 PLUS streaming service and social media platforms.
In the face of many challenges in the MENA region, this new generation is at risk of falling into disillusionment and hopelessness. SAT-7’s content is designed to capture young people’s hearts and inspire them as they learn about the Christian faith.
A recent study has found that one in three children in the MENA currently live in an armed conflict zone.1 Whole generations of children in various parts of the region have lived their entire lives in countries affected by war. Thousands of children have been killed, with many more left traumatized, impoverished, and orphaned.
As schools, hospitals, and other vital services suffer damage, so do children’s prospects. An estimated 2.4 million Syrian children – about half of the school-aged population – do not attend school.2
Conflict is also fueling a refugee crisis in the region. There are 6.4 million child refugees3 in the MENA, who face multiple risks, including isolation, poor physical and mental health, child labor, and trafficking.
The popular SAT-7 KIDS program Behind the Door gives children a platform to express their fears and pray for those affected by crises in the region. It also lifts them out of their worries through interactive games and other fun, interactive segments, alongside Bible stories and teaching. “My favorite topic was about how powerful God is,” Fatma from Sudan said. “God is never changing, which means He will stay good today, tomorrow, and in the future. His love is constant.”
This next generation is experiencing a deterioration in quality of life for several reasons, including environmental and political challenges. Financial insecurity is plaguing families across the region. A recent study suggested that one-third of the Arab World now lives under the poverty line.4 The MENA has the highest youth unemployment rate worldwide. In Lebanon in 2022, 31 percent of young people were not in education, employment, or training,5 with many forced into informal work to contribute to household income. Lack of education and work over generations makes these young people vulnerable to radicalization and hopelessness.
SAT-7’s five-year Youth for an Enabling Society (YES) project is designed to equip and encourage young people in the Arab world to invest themselves in their local communities and wider society.
Girls are especially vulnerable in the MENA due to harmful social practices. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), especially prevalent in northeast Africa, is proving difficult to eradicate. Child marriage is declining, but 700,000 girls still become child brides each year,6 jeopardizing their education and increasing the likelihood of their suffering domestic abuse.7
While most parents love their children and try to do their best for them, many are in need of support and advice. Without this, there is a tendency to rely on disciplinary techniques such as physical abuse, shouting, and intimidation. Around 106 million (more than 8 in 10) children aged 2 to 14 are regularly subjected to violent discipline at home.8
SAT-7’s parenting programs, such as Parents Are Asking on SAT-7 TÜRK, are equipping mothers and fathers in the region with positive techniques and biblical advice, helping them to build strong families and raise confident, secure children.
Societal restrictions are widespread in the MENA, and young women are affected the worst. For example, in Iran, the authorities impose compulsory veiling on girls from the age of seven, and in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned women from public spaces and stopped girls from attending secondary school.
Young people wanting to follow Jesus experience various degrees of persecution, directly or indirectly. In particular, those who become believers from another faith background may be harshly treated by their families and communities and denied access to Christian community and resources. And those from Christian families can be deprived of their education in an attempt to intimidate their parents.
SAT-7 PARS is providing spiritual support for Persian-speaking children through the fellowship project Church4Kids. Through live Instagram streams, worship, teaching material, and one-on-one encouragement, Church4Kids enables children in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan to learn more about God together.
Sources
1 UNICEF Middle East and North Africa
3 UNICEF
5 UNICEF
6 UNICEF Middle East and North Africa
7 UNICEF
8 UNICEF
In 2023, at least 82% of your gift went directly to fund programs building up women, children, and families across the Middle East. Functional expenses (all entities).
