“Kingo” is well known throughout Egypt as the big friendly lion who teaches children Bible stories, Biblical values and morals. The Kingo series is a set of episodes which draw valuable lessons from the Bible and encourage children to grow in their faith and learn Christian characteristics.
As a result of the popularity of Kingo, live “Kingo Festivals” were developed as a way for children to come together and meet Kingo in person. At these events there are plays, songs, competitions and Bible stories. Every year around 100,000 children participate in this programme and attend Kingo festivals.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Kingo festivals had to move away from the large gatherings of festivals and are currently operating through smaller groups within churches. The original Kingo project and materials have been made into resource packs and are distributed to churches.
Each pack contains worksheets, activities and an illustrated children’s Bible book for each child. The programme is now carried out by Sunday School leaders and teachers. This has provided more opportunities to engage with the children on a personal level as the programme has become more focused with smaller classes able to study together.
This adaptation has meant that children have an experience which is more interactive. Samir, a Sunday School leader who plays the role of Kingo at his church, remarks, “When I’m playing the role of Kingo, I want my character to tell the children about God’s love.”
A partnership has also been made with one of the largest Christian TV stations in Egypt. Combining the resources available from the Kingo programme, as well as other children’s resources produced by the Bible Society of Egypt, a new opportunity has arisen to be able to reach over 10 million viewers. Since this is a satellite Christian TV channel, Egyptian families from all over the world are able to tune in and engage with these programmes.
In January 2021, we spoke with our colleagues in Egypt who, despite everything, are hopeful for the future of children’s work in Egypt. God has used the current situation to open new doors, expanding the reach and impact of children’s work.
Please join us as we pray for this project. Our colleagues specifically requested that above all we pray that children grow closer to God through this work, and that the next generation of Christians in Egypt would be firmly rooted in the Bible .
You can also give financially to help the Bible Society of Egypt to reach more children by filling out the donation form on this page:
£50 could provide an Illustrated Bible and Kingo Activity Book for 150 children
£20 could supply 2 Sunday School groups with materials to each host the Kingo programme for 80 children.
£100 could sponsor the full participation of 110 children in the Kingo programme
The impact that Kingo has is significant amongst the young people who engage with this programme. The world we live in is constantly changing and it is of the utmost importance that we teach our children and young people solid Biblical values and their worth in Christ Jesus.