HELPING KIDS SEEK GOD – AND FIND THEIR PASSIONS
Like their peers worldwide, preteens in the MENA go through a whirlwind of change. But in this time of upheaval, youngsters are incredibly open to personal growth. With SpaceNet, an innovative new show, SAT-7 KIDS will help them draw near to God, explore His world, and begin to find their own unique, positive paths through life.
Peer pressure. Increased bullying. Worries over popularity or body image. The preteen years can be intense for children, and for parents.
But this window of time is also crucial for helping young people develop healthy values and interests. As a preteen’s brain goes through intense growth, it discards neural pathways that are not being used, and lays down others – ones that can last.
What kids are exposed to between the ages of 10 and 13 can have a lifelong impact.
And with many parts of their region in chaos, preteens in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) dearly need positive encouragement.
Guided through the minefield
Enter the exciting new SAT-7 KIDS show, SpaceNet.
“Ten years old is the start of a really sensitive age,” says show director Roy Abou Khalil. “To help children through it, we encourage them to develop their own interests and skills. In this way, they can develop their growing independence in healthy ways.”
To do this, SpaceNet harnesses both new technologies and the power of peer influence. The show centres on an extra-terrestrial teen –– played by popular YouTuber Markus Kashouh –– who travels the galaxies in his spaceship.
Help to find their path
As Markus learns about life on earth, viewers will be exposed to a host of new ideas and activities.
“I think it’s really important for kids to know that they should be able to choose their own path,” the 15-year-old presenter explains. “They should be involved in many activities to help them decide.”
SpaceNet is particularly aimed at viewers who need help to do this, including the many children in the MENA who do not have supportive parents or the resources to try out activities.
Sparking creativity
Markus starts each show by asking viewers a question that will get them thinking in new ways. “If you could visit the moon for a day, would you go?” he asks.
“What’s the silliest thing you can think of to do with a paper plate?” “Do you think you could go an entire day without talking?”
Markus will hear viewers’ answers using his smartphone.
Then, Markus will play a report on a topic aimed to grab viewers’ interest – on anything from playing chess to making popcorn, or from building a model rocket to growing beans at home.
Pointed to God
Throughout everything the show offers children, it ultimately points them to God.
“SpaceNet really shows how amazing God is,” Markus says. “We teach kids about the different galaxies and planets He created. Through science, we show them how powerful God is, and how creative.”
Each episode also carries an underlying theme that helps viewers grow spiritually. These include respecting authority, keeping your promises, the importance of prayer, and showing grace and forgiveness. Viewers hear from experts on each theme as well as from Markus.
Promoting positive values
In an episode on friendship, Markus wraps up by saying:
“Even a true friend is not able to understand us, or be with us, all the time. But there is one friend who will stay with you, not leaving you for a moment. That friend is Jesus.”
“Would you like Jesus to be your friend for life?” he asks. “Think about it. See you next time.”