Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, is committed to joining forces with members of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition to expand the reach of quality educational media in support of early childhood development and education, designed to reflect the unique experiences and developmental needs of young children.

Sesame Workshop

New York, NY, USA, United States of America
Non-profit organization
Established : 1969
Education and COVID-19 Response

https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring

Objectives
Support the equitable continuation of learning
During the COVID-19 pandemic
Ensure a full and fair return to education
Following the pandemic
Strengthen learning systems
For the future
Flagship
Connectivity
Close digital divides and enhance connectivity for education

While Sesame Workshop is perhaps best known for our flagship production of Sesame Street in the United States, we have also produced local adaptations of the show in upwards of 30 countries, created in partnership with local advisors and tailored to meet the specific needs of children in each country. Since 1969, Sesame Workshop has been constantly adapting to the changing media and education landscape to reach children wherever they are – expanding beyond television to digital content, radio, mobile apps, storybooks, and more. We also partner with schools and direct service providers to reach the most vulnerable communities through low-tech or no-tech approaches.

We are committed to joining forces with the UNESCO Global Education Coalition to expand the reach of high-quality educational media content for young learners who may have no other access to early learning opportunities – particularly children affected by conflict and displacement.

Regional Focus

Global

Countries of Interest

United States of America, Bangladesh, Syrian Arab Republic, India, South Africa

Member Video
Commitment

Sesame Workshop is the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street with a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We are present in 150 countries, reaching millions of children with early childhood education to build the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Sesame Workshop launched the Caring for Each Other initiative to ensure that all young children have access to early learning and socio-emotional support as the crisis unfolds. The initiative offers free resources – including animated PSAs currently available in 36 languages and airing in 94 countries – designed to promote playful learning and support children’s healthy development at home. Through broadcast, radio, digital, mobile platforms, direct service partnerships, and more, we are delivering these resources to support children and their caregivers during the current crisis and beyond.

By supporting early learning and development, we aim to ensure that all children have the skills they need to succeed in life and to be ready to learn when they arrive at school. Sesame Workshop is also committed to supporting caregivers during this challenging period and as champions for their children to continue education following the pandemic.

Action areas

Learner Wellbeing

Learning opportunities
Social and emotional support
Health

Digital Learning Content

Establish and expand repositories of learning resources
Develop or provide free and contextually appropriate learning content

Advocacy and Communication

Outreach to parents and communities on the right to education
Back-to-school campaigns
Evaluate the effectiveness of distance learning strategies
Contacts

Primary Contact

Ms. Lesley Bourns

Senior Director, Advocacy, Humanitarian Programs

Senior Contact

Ms. Sherrie Westin

President of Social Impact and Philanthropy