An independent survey has shown that SAT-7’s life-changing impact on families in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is now greater than ever. The research revealed that at least 8.6 million viewers watched SAT-7’s ACADEMY-branded education programmes and showed a growth of 21 per cent in the number of Arab children watching the SAT-7 KIDS channel.
The remarkable increase over two years for the Arabic children’s channel, means that SAT-7 KIDS now has 5.6 million viewers[1]. Of these, 82 percent watch regularly.
The survey, carried out in 2018 by the leading market research firm IPSOS, also revealed that more than 80 percent of parents of young viewers feel SAT-7 KIDS benefits their children.
As well as teaching children about Jesus, SAT-7 KIDS programmes encourage positive values and behaviour. The enthusiastic response from parents is especially encouraging for a Christian channel broadcasting to a predominantly non-Christian audience.
Positivity and peace
Dr Terence Ascott, SAT-7’s CEO, explained: “Through this survey, we have established that parents feel SAT-7 KIDS’ programmes are making a positive impact in their children’s lives, bringing a personal sense of peace to those in warzones, as well as helping many with learning, and learning to learn.”
SAT-7 KIDS’ youngest viewers come from countries where families greatly need support. Children aged under four watch in the greatest numbers in war-torn Syria, and in Algeria and Morocco, where Christian children’s resources are otherwise very hard to find.
Improving young lives
The discovery that at least 8.6 million viewers of all ages watched SAT-7 ACADEMY-branded programming on the network’s Arabic channels last year is also a massive vote of approval for its ramped up education output. Shows under this brand encourage critical thinking and teach positive social values, such as tolerance and understanding, that are needed to build better MENA societies. ACADEMY-branded programmes also include basic educational courses for those who might otherwise miss out.
This number includes 1.5 million viewers of the primary education programme on SAT-7 KIDS, My School. Of these young learners, 70 percent watched daily or at least once a week.
This means that these 1.5 million Arab children are regularly gaining knowledge and skills that will improve their chances in life – and the adults in their lives are learning too. SAT-7 plans to strengthen the ACADEMY-branded programmes in the coming years, to broaden its impact even further.
As the IPSOS research also highlights the growth of internet access, even in refugee camps, the plans include development of My School’s accompanying e-learning platform.
Transforming a region
These encouraging figures underline SAT-7’s focus on children and young people, who are the future of the MENA. Rita Elmounayer, SAT-7’s Chief Channels Officer and CEO Designate, said:
“If just one of the many children who benefit from SAT-7’s programmes grows up to become a good, strong leader for their country, this could change the face of the whole Middle East. All that we are doing – all the seeds that we are planting – is so worth it.”
[1] All figures recorded were for the past year. Increase recorded in comparison with 2016 figures.