Education is a fundamental right that many children, particularly girls, are deprived of in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In Morocco, very few girls from rural communities have the opportunity to continue their education beyond primary school.
Whilst education is free in Morocco, traditional patriarchal values often lead to girls’ being expected to leave school to take up responsibilities in the home.
This was the experience of Darya*, a young Moroccan viewer who got in touch with SAT-7 to share her story.
Forced to leave school
“I want to tell you that my education had to stop once I finished primary school,” Darya shared. “My parents didn’t help me to finish my studies because I am a village girl, even though they knew I was studying hard. But my dream never stopped.”
Despite the lack of support from her family, Darya was determined to receive an education. Though she wasn’t allowed to go out to school, she came across SAT-7’s educational programmes on her television – which meant she could continue her learning after all!
Learning through television
“When I saw your SAT-7 ACADEMY programmes, I knew that studying was not limited to age; therefore my motivation for success increased,” Darya said. “I learned languages and became especially good at English.”
In a country where two-thirds of women are illiterate, programmes like SAT-7’s My School, which teaches basic Arabic, English and maths, are invaluable. “Thank you so much for your programme, which is the only hope for me,” Darya said. “I love you!” ■
*Name changed
PRAY
- Thank God for SAT-7’s educational programmes, which are making a practical difference in the lives of viewers like Darya.
- Thank God for Darya’s determination to get an education and that she found what she was looking for in SAT-7 ACADEMY.
- Pray for a cultural shift in Morocco, so that the value of sending girls to school would be recognised.