24/10/2003
Sesame Street Stories for children in the Middle East

Episodes of the popular Sesame Street TV series for children are being produced in Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories with the support of the European Commission within its EU Partnership for Peace Programme. Building on the well-established Sesame Street model, these Sesame Stories aim to promote long-term respect and understanding in the Middle East among Palestinian, Israeli, and Jordanian children, in the belief that ignorance of others fuels the ongoing conflict in the region.

In times of heightened fear, conflict and violence, this project offers children in the region a different experience and one they can share across borders. Seventy-eight stories as well as outreach programmes for children from 4 to 7 years have been co-produced by Palestinians, Israelis, and Jordanians in consultation with the Sesame Workshop, presenting themes such as acceptance, empathy, and appreciating similarities and differences. The makers of the series have worked closely together with educational advisors and child psychologists. Sesame Stories will be broadcast in Israel's HOP! TV, Jordanian JRTV, and the Palestinian Ma'an Network, starting in the coming weeks.

“ Working with children today will help build peace tomorrow," said Michael Leigh, Deputy Director General for the Middle East in the European Commission External Relations Directorate General. "The Sesame Stories project is an inspiring initiative which should help build understanding and mutual respect. The Commission's support for this project testifies to our long-term commitment to peaceful coexistence and tolerance in the Middle East.”

“ Sesame Stories is the cornerstone and model for Sesame Workshop's global initiative to produce educational media with a specific focus on respect and understanding,” said Gary E. Knell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sesame Workshop. “Through the dedication of our talented partners and commitment from generous funders, Sesame Stories strives to counter the negative images that children see on television every day and to offer hope for a better world. Sesame Stories conveys realistic and positive messages, and provides a valuable tool to children in developing new perspectives about themselves and those around them.”

The Sesame Street project, supported under the MEDA EU Partnership for Peace Programme, has a total budget of €7.14 million, of which the EU is providing €2.5 million. The project started in October 2001 and all chapters are already produced. Broadcasting has started in Israel and will start in the West Bank/Gaza and Jordan in October 2003.