Sesame Street’s New Muppet Supports Children Affected by Conflict and Crisis
Sesame Street’s new muppet, Ameera, will debut in Ahlan Simsim, their show in the Middle East and Africa this April.
Sesame Workshops announced on Tuesday, March 28 that they will be unveiling a new muppet in Ahlan Simsim. This is Sesame Street‘s show in Africa and the Middle East.
In a statement, Sesame Workshops said that Ameera will debut on the show in April. Ameera will also star in innovative, globally tested videos. Videos that will help deliver quick and playful learning to children affected by conflict and crisis.
“Thoughtfully designed to challenge stereotypes and reflect children’s lived experiences, Ameera brings visibility to more than 12 million displaced persons and 240 million children worldwide estimated to have a disability as well as to the important role of girls in STEM,” Sherrie Westin, President of Sesame Workshop said. “At a time when more children than ever before are affected by conflict and displacement, Ameera also highlights the urgent need for creative and flexible approaches to delivering playful learning and early education to communities affected by crisis.”
Important time
Ameera will join Simsim characters such as Elmo, Kaki (Cookie Monster), and Gargur (Grover). Furthermore, she joins others like Jad, Basma, and Ma’zooza in Season 5. They will touch on issues of social-emotional skills of kindness towards oneself and others.
Additionally, Ameera’s entry comes at a time when children continue to feel the effects brought by the conflict and crisis around them.
Witty and with a passion for science, Ameera is an 8-year-old child with a sense of humor. Despite being in a wheelchair due to a spinal injury, she is a natural leader. Moreover, she encourages everyone thanks to her bright personality.
The Power of Learning
Aside from Simsim, Ameera will appear in animated designed videos as well. These videos are for kids aged 3 to 8 years old under Sesame’s Play to Learn program. These are in consultation with educators and parents.
“Ameera continues Sesame Workshop’s long history of creating diverse characters that children around the world can relate to. And we are so excited to welcome this exuberant 8-year-old girl to our cast of beloved Sesame Muppets,” Scott Cameron said. Scott is the Head of International Production at Sesame Workshop. “Ameera was in development for over two years and was designed with the guidance of inclusion advisors who helped ensure that her identity, movements, and equipment were representational. An instant favorite with our writers for humor and wit, we know that Ameera will inspire young viewers to be curious and confident.”
Ameera is the latest muppet to join the growing Sesame Street muppets. In November, Ji-Young, an American-Korean debuted during the show’s Thanksgiving special.
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