New TV Series for Young People Surpasses 1.7 Million Views Per Episode in Kenya

  Kenya, Nairobi - 02/04/2020 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Organization started by Discovery Inc. looks to have Kenya’s number one kids’ show, with innovative format that combines animation with live action 

A new part-animated, part live-action series for adolescents is scoring top ratings on Citizen TV, Kenya’s most-watched television network.

My Better World, which premiered on October 19, is averaging 1.7 million viewers every week. The show is rated number one among Kenyan broadcast networks for its timeslot on Saturday mornings. Three of its first 10 episodes reached over 2 million viewers, and the series is outperforming a diverse group of reality and youth-focused shows.

My Better World is the first of its kind on broadcast television in Sub-Saharan Africa, combining innovative animation with live action inserts. It follows the adventures of six fictional characters as they navigate school, family, and friendships. Each episode includes a short, inspiring profile of a real-life role model from Africa dealing with challenges true to the young adult experience. 

“We are thrilled that so many people are talking about this show,” said Aric Noboa, president and executive producer at Impact(Ed) International, which created the show. “My Better World tackles subjects relevant to young people in Africa in a way that’s fun and engaging. People are already sharing stories about how the show is impacting their lives, and igniting important conversations among adults as well as young people.”

Formerly known as Discovery Learning Alliance, the organization behind My Better World is rebranding as Impact(Ed) International. Established over 20 years ago by Discovery, Inc., home to the Discovery Channel, TLC and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Impact(Ed) International uses the power of media to transform education and improve life opportunities for young people. Impact(Ed) International will continue to carry this mission forward while broadening its partnerships and deepening its impact.

“We are proud of our Discovery roots,” Noboa said. “And we are excited about building new partnerships with a variety of brands to carry forward that legacy.”

The My Better World TV series was created by Impact(Ed) in collaboration with pan-African organization CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), as well as students and educators across Africa. The series is based on CAMFED’s widely acclaimed life skills curriculum. It is produced by Tanzania-based Fundi Films, with animation by South African studio MAAN Creative. 

The series so far has tackled bold topics seldom covered in media for youth. Everlyne Bowa, a Nairobi-based children and women’s rights activist and mentor said, “I loved how the characters were engaging the discussion on menstrual hygiene, and the importance of involving parents in discussing it with girls. I have always longed to have animated shows about the conversations we have (as mentors) because they communicate clearly and vividly.”  

Another episode featuring early marriage had far-reaching impact on members of a girls’ club who watched it with their mentor. 

“One of the episodes inspired a dialogue in a girls’ youth club,” saidMashala Kwape, Impact(Ed)’s regional director. “A 14-year old confided in the club mentor that she had just been promised in marriage. The mentor and school principal immediately met with the girl’s family. The wedding was stopped, and she continues to stay in school.” 

Impact(Ed) will make the series available in Hausa, Swahili and Somali, and is preparing to license it to broadcasters and digital platforms across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

About Impact(Ed) International 

Impact(Ed) International, formerly known as Discovery Learning Alliance, was established in 1997 by Discovery, Inc., the parent company of networks like Discovery, HGTV, TLC, and OWN - the Oprah Winfrey Network. Impact(Ed) uses the power of media to transform education in the classroom and beyond. The organization is also a leader in creating entertaining media for social impact. Its award-winning media portfolio includes the widely acclaimed Discovery+ talk show series in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, and the two most watched films in Africa – Inside Story and The Lucky Specials – which together have been broadcast to over 822 million people in more than 25 countries. Impact(Ed) is currently producing its third scripted feature film, set in Zimbabwe, and due to release in Q3 2020. Learn more at www.impacted.org.