Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context
In regions affected by conflict and crisis, children often face significant challenges in accessing education and support for their holistic development. Recognizing this urgent need, Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) joined forces in 2017 to launch Ahlan Simsim, a pioneering initiative to provide comprehensive support to children affected by conflict in the Middle East. The program's name, meaning "Welcome Sesame" in Arabic, reflects its mission to welcome children into a nurturing and supportive learning environment despite their challenges.
Solution
Ahlan Simsim represents the single largest early childhood intervention in the history of humanitarian response, blending on-the-ground services with engaging educational media to empower children and families. This transformational program harnesses the combined expertise of Sesame Workshop in creating captivating content and the IRC's extensive experience in humanitarian aid. By leveraging a multi-faceted approach, Ahlan Simsim delivers educational support to children across various platforms, including classrooms, health clinics, learning centers, television, and mobile devices.
Central to Ahlan Simsim's success is the development of a locally-produced Arabic-language version of Sesame Street, tailored to resonate with the cultural context of the region. This adaptation ensures that children can access high-quality educational content that is both engaging and culturally relevant, enhancing their learning experience and fostering a sense of belonging.
Insights
By combining media with on-the-ground services, the program provides holistic support to children and engages key stakeholders, including caregivers, teachers, and health providers. Through its innovative approach, Ahlan Simsim promotes children's cognitive and socio-emotional development and strengthens their resilience in the face of adversity.
Ahlan Simsim has provided playful and educational learning experiences to more than 1.7 million children and families in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Additionally, Sesame Street's locally produced Arabic-language version has reached over 25 million children across the Middle East and North Africa.