Sharing stories of struggle and success to inspire young Arabs
In a region marked by conflict, economic turmoil and social unrest, young people need to see role models creating pathways to a better life and a better world. That is why SAT-7 ARABIC’s Youth for an Enabling Society (YES) project is sharing the inspiring stories of change-makers in the Arab world.
“THE DREAM WAS INSIDE ME AND GOD BLESSED IT”
Through mini documentaries for the project’s Our Generation Plus Facebook page – which reached 300,000 followers in June – young people can see how people like them achieved their success and be inspired to overcome obstacles in their own lives to impact society with their God-given talents.
One such documentary tells the moving story of Dr Mina, who pursued an ambitious project after contemplating the suffering of those with physical disabilities. As he researched solutions, he discovered an exoskeleton: a mechanical frame that enables people to walk again. Dr Mina saw this product as “a miracle,” but soon found out it was impossible to import the technology to Egypt because of the cost.
Keen to make a difference in people’s lives, and frustrated that the solution was out of reach, Dr Mina decided to use his own money and spare time to build an exoskeleton himself, learning about robotics online. “I started working and earning money as a physiotherapist, and at the end of the day, I would pass by electronic stores to purchase sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. That is how I spent my money,” he said.
Dr Mina’s determination and selflessness bore fruit, and after seven or eight months, he came up with the product. While he was certain the project would succeed, there were challenges along the way that he described as “bitter.” But now, it is in use and is bringing hope to many people in Egypt – and beyond – who are desperate to walk again.
“They all said the same thing: ‘I’m standing tall again. I can now look at the person I’m talking to on an eye-to-eye level’… This makes a difference to them and makes a difference in their treatment afterwards,” Dr Mina said.
While hard work played a huge part in the success of the project, Dr Mina does not forget to credit his Creator. “The dream was inside me and God blessed it,” he said.
“I NEVER GAVE UP”
Omar is a young Egyptian businessman who wanted to make a difference in the lives of unemployed young people in his country. His wonderfully simple idea, a website that connects employers with young jobseekers, was one he passionately believed could change his society for the better.
But, as shown in one of the YES Project’s documentaries, he struggled to get the idea off the ground. “The website needed 20,000 [Egyptian] pounds to set up,” Omar explains. “I didn’t have that amount at the time.”
He knew his company needed further significant investment before it could thrive, so he took the bold step of contacting Egyptian Christian businessman Naguib Sawiris to pitch his idea. Omar knew his chances were slim: “I had one per cent hope of getting a response, but to be lucky you must do your part”, he said. But after being invited to a five-minute meeting, he managed to secure the investment he so badly needed. Ten years later, Omar’s website has a database of over 1.5 million jobseekers and more than 10,000 registered companies.
When young people are exposed to real stories that include struggles before success, it helps them see the importance of developing certain traits. When asked what helped him achieve his dream, Omar said: “I never gave up. In the most difficult times, I insisted on continuing. I held on to my company, my idea, and my challenge.”
The YES project is implemented by SAT-7 Egypt in partnership with the Norwegian Mission Society and supported by DIGNI. You can read more about it here.