MBC3 Youngest Safari Contestant Shares His Thrilling Experience

JEDDAH, 18 May 2006 — MBC3’s Eish Safari, the region’s first reality TV program for children features Saud Al-Moneef as the youngest contestant on the show.

Al-Moneef, who has never been away from his parents and had never traveled alone, stated mixed feelings after being chosen as one of the participants in the program. He was happy that he was selected, which he describes as being “... fame for the participant, an unforgettable experience” while at the same time was afraid of the new experience of being far from home.

The ability to adapt to a new life was definitely a big issue for this youngster.

During the filming one of his biggest challenges was to overcome his nervousness in front of the camera, which he eventually overcame.

Al-Moneef didn’t consider the missions during the show to be too difficult, but he advises the program to have contestants within the same age bracket compete against each other next time. Al-Moneef felt that the older contestants have an advantage over the younger ones as they are larger, stronger, and have spent more time in school.

The experience of being away from home gave Al-Moneef a unique opportunity to build his confidence and teach himself independence. This interactive experience also taught him how to live in a Safari atmosphere and all about animals. Most valuably, he learned to interact with people from all different countries. This gave him the opportunity to learn about different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.

Learning and working as a team was a fun experience. As Al-Moneef was the youngest in the group, he listened more than he talked, which gave him the chance to observe other people’s actions and reactions.

Al-Moneef faced a difficult challenge when some of his team members did not understand his Gulf accent. It all worked out however when they took the time to get to know each other better.

Al-Moneef said he would never forget this life changing experience. In the short time he spent on the show he leaned so much. The knowledge he gained will enrich both his personal and scholastic life. In the long term, the happiness, the fear, the challenge and the success will always remain a part of him. Al-Moneef recommends to all his friends they participate and watch the upcoming seasons of this show.