Thank you so much for this {SAT‑7} program that is filled with the Word of God. It is more than wonderful and the best that I watch. God bless you."
— Viewer from Azerbaijan
With around 30 million children ages 5 to 18 out of school in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), SAT-7 continues to be a source of hope and growth for young minds. This International Literacy Day (September 8), we consider how SAT-7’s educational programs are helping children learn at home in Persian, Arabic and Turkish.
Our newest educational program is Sun of Hope, produced in Dari for people in Afghanistan – the only country in the world where girls and women are strictly banned from secondary and higher education. Because of this, Madrassas (religious centers) have become the only way for many women and teenage girls to access education.1
Sun of Hope is meeting a vital need, offering free learning via satellite television, YouTube, and our streaming platform, SAT-7 PLUS. The first two seasons focus on core literacy and numerical skills, and a third season is planned for next year.
“Language is the gateway to other learning,” explains the program’s director, Nader Taghizadeh. “We want this to be the first step in the learning process of Afghan children and eventually move on to other subjects.”
“We Learn Something New”
In the Arabic-speaking world, conflict and displacement have pushed millions of children out of school, most notably in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. And literacy levels are low across the MENA region, with 6 in 10 children unable to read a simple text with comprehension by 10 years of age.2
SAT-7’s first primary-level education program, My School, which completed its fifth and final season in 2023, is continuing to meet the ongoing need for alternative learning opportunities. All five seasons, which include dynamic lessons in Arabic, English, math and science, are available for free on SAT-7 PLUS.
Recent comments from viewers demonstrate the program’s ongoing impact. “I have always loved the My School program and still do,” said Amer, a boy from Syria. “I enjoyed communicating with the teachers, getting to know them, and asking them my questions about the subjects they taught.”
Kera, a teenage girl from Egypt, told us: “I really love your programs, and my favorite show is My School. I thank you very much, and I send you all my respect and love.”
Jackie from Lebanon still watches My School regularly. “Congratulations on your beautiful work,” she said. “Every day we learn something new with you on My School. You are a wonderful and fruitful team.”
“We Had Fun and Learned a Lot”
For Turkish viewers, the lively children’s program Great News on SAT‑7 TÜRK includes a variety of educational content throughout the week. Alongside teaching Bible stories and the Christian values within them, Great News also helps young viewers gain practical skills. As children sing, draw, bake, and create at home, they learn how to take a project from idea to completion. This focus on interactive learning keeps young viewers engaged and helps them retain the lessons of the episode.
“It is wonderful news with Nora’s colorful and cheerful presenting,” said one YouTube viewer. “Not only the children, but we adults also watched it with the same excitement. We had fun and learned a lot. Thank you, and we hope it will continue.”
Viewer names have been changed for security and image is representative.
I watch all of your live shows. Sometimes I watch for 4-5 hours a day. I owe the changes in my life to SAT‑7’s programs; I don’t have any other source, as I have no Christian friends and no Bible."
