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Entertainment Education Programs
Egypt: Wa ma zala anneel yagree [And the Nile Flows On]
The Egypt Ministry of Information, State Information Service (SIS), IEC Center produced the series; it aired during prime time on Egyptian television in November and December 1992 and starred well-known actors and actresses. A "post-exposure" survey was conducted in January 1993 in eight governorates: Cairo; Alexandria, Kafr El Sheikh, Gharbia and Sharkia in the Delta; and Fayoum and Souhag in Upper Egypt. Among respondents, 75% had seen the program and gave it very favorable ratings. The leading characters were highly rated in terms of likeability and credibility. Exposure to the program had a significant effect on intention--that is, the likelihood of visiting a family planning clinic: 57% of viewers said that they would definitely go to a clinic, compared to 29% of non-viewers. Communication about the serial was highest among residents in rural areas, where television is often a major topic of conversation. Conversations took place most often with a friend or neighbor, followed by conversations with the respondent's spouse. Furthermore, higher percentages of educated respondents discussed the serial with someone than did illiterate viewers. The issues discussed varied by place of residence. The issue of forced marriage was discussed most often in Cairo and Alexandria (24%), while only 4% of rural residents awarded it any attention at all. Village residents reported that they do not feel that forced marriage is an issue at all--it is a regular occurrence and not something that would stimulate controversial discussion. Watching the serial had a prominent effect on attitudes toward family planning, such as early marriage, age certification, responsibility for determining the sex of the child, and perception of the religious stand on family planning. Exposure to the serial reduced the percentage of respondents who felt that contraceptives are harmful to one’s health. For the most part, exposure to the series did not have a significant effect on increased knowledge. One noteworthy exception is the percentage of respondents who learned that it is the husband’s sperm that is responsible for determining the sex of the offspring: 66% of those who saw the serial knew the correct answer, compared to only 39% of non-viewers. Statements dealing with empowerment of women also showed an increased level of agreement following the broadcast of the serial. Respondents agreed much more frequently after the viewing than before with these statements: "Family planning gives a woman the opportunity to improve her life;" "These days a woman without education has no support / a woman must complete her education before marriage;" "With current economic conditions a woman should have a job outside the home." |
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And
the Nile Flows On is of Egypt's most popular Enter-Educate
stories. This 16-episode dramatic series chronicles the life
of Dr. Omayma, a family doctor in a remote, rural village.
At first, villagers seek her opinions and advice. However,
the village leader spreads false rumors about her and advises
villagers not to involve her in their daily lives and the
practices of the village. The villagers want to trust Dr.
Omayma, but these rumors intimidate them. Over the course
of the series, the villagers come to trust her and her dedication
to improving their health.ed to promote family planning to
Egyptian Muslims in a culturally sensitive and entertaining
manner. Topics specifically addressed included:
© 2005 The Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved.