My School benefits me and my grandchildren

Searching for something educational and engaging for his grandchildren to watch on television, Lebanese grandfather Boutros came across SAT-7 ACADEMY’s programme My School. Now, watching My School together has become a regular family activity that benefits and bonds two generations.

Boutros is a retired carpenter from Lebanon. He looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren – eight-year-old twins Aya and Iwan – who come to visit him twice a week. These days, the first thing they do when they arrive is eagerly ask to watch My School.

LEARNING TOGETHER

The twins are just two of at least 1.3 million children already watching the SAT-7 ACADEMY programme. Their grandfather enjoys watching with them and guides them in following the lessons, helping them with questions if they get stuck. Some of the information and questions are new for him too, so the generations are learning together.

Boutros has already noticed changes in his grandchildren since they started watching. They are ready to learn and are more engaged in the lessons. Television has become a source of learning and education, not just entertainment. “My favourite thing to learn on My School is science,” says Aya. “I like experiments and mixing things.”

MEETING THE NEED FOR EDUCATION

Quality education is sorely lacking in the MENA. Schools often rely on rote learning, violence against pupils is common, and numeracy and literacy are low. Furthermore, conflict and instability mean that 12 million children are unable to attend school at all.

To meet this need, My School (“Madrasati” in Arabic) broadcasts five days a week, three times a day for children aged four to eight, providing engaging, interactive lessons in Arabic, English, maths and science. Each episode is hosted by three teachers who conduct lessons in an attractive and brightly coloured classroom setting, using fun songs and animation.

LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE

Boutros recognises the importance of education in helping his grandchildren achieve their goals in life, which is why he promotes their learning through watching educational programmes.

“I hope you can attract even more children to watch this programme,” says Boutros, who recommends the show to others. “Honestly, I benefit from My School and watch it even when the kids aren’t around.”

Both children already have ambitions for the future – Iwan wants to be a maths teacher, and Aya wants to run her own bakery. For now, they both enjoy the special time they spend with their grandfather, asking questions and learning from him and My School.

“I want them to be able to achieve everything they want in life,” their grandfather shares. “I hope they will be able to continue their education and that they will be able to do whatever they want.”