Giving Compass' Take:

• Sesame Workshop and International Rescue Committee created a program to bring education videos to refugee children, and is now able to expand after receiving funding from the MacArthur Foundation. 

• The author says that this program is setting "a new standard for humanitarian assistance." What are other donors in the space doing to enhance initiatives within global development aid? 

• Read more about mitigating the effects of trauma among migrant children. 

In May 2016, Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) had an ambitious idea: a program to bring early education to millions of children affected by the Syrian conflict, setting a new standard for humanitarian assistance. The MacArthur Foundation believed in our vision. Last December we became the first $100 million award recipients of 100&Change, MacArthur’s global competition to solve a critical problem of our time.

Now, that ambitious idea is becoming a reality. This month, IRC’s field staff is integrating updated versions of Sesame’s proven educational materials into IRC preschool classrooms, health centers, and home visitation programs in Jordan and Lebanon.

We’ve conducted extensive research to inform the adaptation of our materials, from storybooks to posters to video clips. They tell the story of our program: the power of Sesame’s Muppets and educational expertise, the depth of IRC’s on-the-ground experience, and the shared values that guide our partnership.

In the coming months, we will expand our direct services to reach families in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In fall 2019, we’ll launch our new Sesame TV program, an educational show that will introduce millions of children across the region to friendly, loveable Arabic-speaking characters and role models who understand their lives and experiences.

Along the way, we’re excited to learn what works—and what doesn’t. Just like the children we aim to reach, we’re constantly learning. We’ll use our research about our educational materials and other aspects of our initiative to inform our development of more effective ways to support kids and caregivers. We also look forward to sharing our findings broadly so that we—and others—can reach and teach children affected by humanitarian crises around the world.

Read the full article about the program to help refugee children by Rene Celaya at MacArthur Foundation.