Isolated Together

Millions of children are now in self isolation in their homes in Turkey, and so are most of the SAT-7 TÜRK staff. Determined to joyfully share a message of encouragement, hope, and love to its young viewers, SAT-7 TÜRK is broadcasting its children’s program from a living room.

Flexibility, innovative thinking, experimentation and a determination to overcome challenges is what marks the SAT-7 TÜRK teams’ way of thinking during this pandemic.

Presenter and producer of the children’s program SAT-7 TÜRK Kids, Nora Yazırlıoğlu is pregnant and has asthma, which places her at a greater risk of serious illness. “I haven’t been able to leave the flat at all since this started,” Nora explains, “but of course, just like me, millions of people, including children, are self-isolating across Turkey.”

Unwilling to stop production of SAT-7 TÜRK Kids, Nora has adapted to working in self-isolation in order to remain in touch with her viewers. Swapping a studio for a living room, studio lights for standing lamps, multiple cameras for just two, and supportive staff with her husband and their pet cat, the program is now being pre-recorded. Her husband Can Yazırlıoğlu is also a producer at SAT-7 TÜRK, and together they prepare the episodes for broadcast.

Working from home has its challenges but also benefits. “I can be more flexible and film two or three episodes in one sitting,” explains Nora. “In one special episode about cats, we got our cat Gado to make a guest appearance. He definitely stole the spotlight!” she laughs.

Children across Turkey have suddenly been told that they can’t go to school or see their friends, that they can’t go out and play, but that they have to stay at home because of the pandemic. “This is a scary time, especially for children,” Nora states. “They need to be entertained and they need to have something to keep them occupied, but most of all they need to be reassured, to be encouraged and to be loved”.

“In the program I include special tasks for the children to do. These used to be tasks like ‘Write a loving letter to your mother’, but in this segment I can also teach them precautions against the virus without scaring them,” Nora explains. In addition to these, Nora also asks children to pray for the world and those affected by the virus, encouraging them to be a positive influence to those around them.

This period of self-isolation can be particularly difficult for families who are suddenly having to spend all their time together in confined spaces. “During the program I teach children different indoor games, and I show them family quizzes and competitions they can do, which can help the children bond with their siblings and parents,” Nora continues.

“The most important part of the program is when I share a Bible verse and a Bible story with the children,” she says. “The Word of God is the best source of reassurance we have during this time. During this segment I can remind children that they do not need to be afraid and that they have a God who loves them”.

Thank you for praying for and supporting the SAT-7 TÜRK team. Please pray that as children remain isolated in their homes, they will watch SAT-7 TÜRK Kids and that the program will be a positive influence on them. Please ask for protection over children in Turkey, especially during this time.