Alya Afia, 22, a digital media student at the Faculty of Mass Communication and one of the project’s co-founders, explains the initiative's core idea.
“3al Kanabaa is a social media platform that discusses mental health and social issues,” she says. “It targets young people aged 20 to 30, which is why we use simple language and a youthful tone. At the same time, we aim to provide content that helps them understand their emotions.”
The platform shares videos on YouTube and Facebook, featuring professionals ranging from human resources managers to life coaches, couples’ therapists, and psychologists, depending on the topic of each episode.
So far, the team – comprising 16 students – has produced 15 episodes on YouTube, one podcast, and six videos under the 3al Kanabaa Experts series, shared on Facebook and Instagram.
Afia says the videos are divided into four broad themes: family relationships, personal thoughts, the work environment, and personal relationships.
One episode focuses on couples’ therapy, encouraging young couples to seek professional help if they struggle to resolve conflicts. Another, Bara El Mal’ab (Outside the Court/Field), addresses some parents' pressures on children to pursue sports they may not enjoy.
In The Blind Parent Show, the team explores generational gaps in parenting styles, aiming to foster dialogue between parents and bridge the divide in approaches to raising children.
Other episodes delve into sibling relationships, job burnout, and career planning. The topics were chosen based on research into the issues that matter most to today’s youth.
The team also engages directly with their audience to shape future content.
Afia concludes with a message for her peers: “Young people shouldn’t forget that we only live once – we’re all experimenting. Don’t pressure yourself or think: ‘This didn’t go how I planned.’ Enjoy the experience. Keep a diary, express your feelings, and watch content that helps you understand your emotions. Be content with what you do.”
Short link: