Ahlan Simsim - Sesame Street for Refugee Children
Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Middle East
The largest early childhood development initiative in humanitarian history, combining localized Arabic 'Sesame Street' content with direct services including preschool, parenting sessions, and home visits. Features Muppet characters designed to help refugee children process trauma and develop social-emotional skills.
Behavior Goal
Mitigate toxic stress in displaced children through nurturing care, safe learning environments, and caregiver support, while building foundational social-emotional and educational skills.
Methods & Approaches
Channels
Implementers & Partners
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Sesame Workshop
Donors & Sponsors
- MacArthur Foundation ($100M)
- LEGO Foundation
- BRAC
Key Takeaways
- 1Reached 3.5+ million children and caregivers with direct services
- 2TV show reached 29+ million children across Middle East and North Africa
- 3Remote learning during COVID-19 achieved outcomes comparable to in-person preschool
- 4Features new Muppets like Jad (displaced child) and Ameera (disability inclusion)