New Hope Company Launches Online Ramadan Camp
Inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places. And within the walls of an office building in New Hope, Amin Aaser broadcasts to the world.
His audience consists of thousands of children, between the ages of 4 and 9, who log onto a live video stream every day during the holy month of Ramadan to learn life lessons and develop a greater appreciation of their Muslim faith.
“Ramadan is the most important time of the year for Muslim families, but the reality is, everyone is busy,” said Amin Aaser, the executive director of Noor Kids. “Moms and dads are working harder than they’ve ever worked before. So we thought to ourselves, how can we help bring the spirit of this month into hearts and homes? And we thought, look, let’s create a digital camp.”
Aaser founded Noor Kids about 10 years ago. It’s a series of children’s books aimed at being a guide for young Muslims.
“I want Noor Kids to be a light, a light that helps provide these kids a feeling of belonging,” Aaser said. “I want this to be a light that helps kids feel comfortable with who they are and the faith that’s in their heart.”
So far, Noor Kids has published more than 70 books, featuring a colorful cast of characters.
A few of the children’s books published by Noor Kids.
A global audience
While the books have reached a global audience, Aaser says the response to this digital camp — which runs every day of Ramadan and features a mix of storytelling and hands-on activities — has been overwhelming.
“What we didn’t realize is how many people would be interested in it,” he said. “In about two and a half weeks we’ve had about 70,000 families from around the world join, and it’s been the honor of my life.”
Aaser’s goal is to create content that’s simple while also addressing real-life feelings, challenges and struggles, much in the same vein of Fred Rogers from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
“Through this camp, we’re hoping to help children feel confident of who they are and the faith that’s in their heart, and I’m really proud of that,” Aaser said.
Meanwhile, Aaser says his company is in discussions with Netflix to create a Noor Kids animated series.
The above clip is a recent Ramadan Camp video produced by Noor Kids.
