25 - 31 January 2001
Issue No.518
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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 25 - 31 January 2001 Issue No.518 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
SWITCHING CHANNELS: The TV Union's recent decision to establish a new, more empowered administrative body to oversee children's programming is long overdue. Samia Sharabi, who heads the new department, admits that "some aspects of children's programming are currently lacking. That's why the department was established."
photo: Yossri Aql
Sharabi told Hanan Sabra that "right now, we are too dependent on foreign cartoons, which do not discuss issues relevant to the country's children."
Bakkar, a cartoon about the adventures of a Nubian boy which has appeared to much fanfare over the past two years during Ramadan, is one example of an attempt to balance the equation. But the transition to a whole lineup of quality shows, Sharabi admits, will take time.
The plan is to hire new hosts for children's programmes, who will be specialised in the field. "These hosts," Sharabi says, "will have to know how to deal with children, either from their university studies, or from practical experience." Both new and veteran hosts will be given training in children's behaviour and made familiar with the latest advances in graphics and animation.
Alam Simsim, the Egyptian version of the popular, long-running American show Sesame Street, is another rising star in the world of Egyptian children's programming. Using songs and simple lessons taught by the lovable puppet characters Felfel, Nemnem and Khokha, the show helps teach children the Arabic alphabet, one letter per episode.
The primary difference between Bakkar and Alam Simsim and most of the other children's fare on Egyptian TV is that these new shows both take as their premise that children's minds and sensitivities must be respected.
For Egypt's vast audience of children and parents eager for educational programmes that are creative and engaging, the new attitude couldn't have come soon enough.
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