YOUNG PRESENTER SHARES HER AUTHENTIC FAITH
SAT-7 KIDS presenter Tia Ghaly was inspired to go into television ministry from a very early age. Having grown in faith and in her on-screen skills, she is now a role model for today’s young viewers.
Tia, who is now aged 19, grew up watching her sister, Rana, presenting programmes on SAT-7. Rana, who is 14 years older than Tia, featured on popular SAT-7 ARABIC programme Keep on Singing among others.
“I used to see my sister going to SAT-7 to film programmes,” Tia says. “I wanted to do the same. I used to go with her and watch her. I was in awe. I looked at what she did growing up, and I felt, ‘Wow, how does she impact so many kids, and how does she love so many people, by just being on the TV and doing fun things?’”
Tia’s interest and enthusiasm was noticed by SAT-7 producers, who started getting her involved in programmes in small ways, like joining in a worship song, from the age of seven. Always keen to nurture young talent, in 2018 SAT-7 asked Tia, when she was aged 13, to become a presenter of a new programme called Chato.
GROWING IN FAITH
Tia’s presenting work with SAT-7 – first on Chato and now on Cupcake as well as the new children’s magazine programme, Jesus is our Strength – has helped her to grow in her own faith.
She says that presenting Chato was “life-changing”, adding, “I heard more about God; I learned how to love people deeply; and it was all based on other people’s testimonies and challenges.”
The programme helped her develop important skills, too. “This show taught me what to say, when, and how. I had to prepare well because it was a live show.”
Tia has continued to grow while co-presenting Cupcake, a fun and educational programme for children aged four to ten years old, which is preparing for its third season on SAT-7 KIDS. Along with the wise Uncle Medhat, Tia explores the difficulties that children face in their everyday lives while sharing Christlike ways to overcome them.
Various Bible stories and video clips address topics relating to nature, discipleship, friendship, and more. Destructive trends and bad behaviour are discussed, with both presenters sharing wisdom to help viewers live loving and responsible lives.
“At the end of each episode Uncle Medhat teaches us a story that really impacts my life,” Tia says. “I get goosebumps after listening to him, and I feel like I want to live the life he is trying to teach us and the morals he is trying to show us in this story.”
AUTHENTICITY
As a presenter of Christian TV programmes for children, Tia knows that the young audience is looking to her as a role model, and this is a responsibility she takes seriously.
“I am challenged to live the same life on screen as in my real life,” she said. “Living with Jesus is not different here and there; it’s the same thing… I try as much as I can, and I pray as much as I can, that every single word I say is a living testimony.”
Tia admits that being seen as a role model at such a young age is difficult at times, but she is grateful for the support she receives from her family, friends, church, and the team at SAT-7. Her heart for children in the Arab world and her understanding of the issues they are facing motivate Tia in her presenting work.
“It’s such a privilege to make them feel heard, tackle their problems, and make them feel acknowledged,” she said. “I wouldn’t have imagined that I would do that when I’m so young. It’s such a blessing.”
Watch this interview with Tia to find out more.