Sesame Stories (Sippuray Sumsum/Hikayat Simsim)

Through three distinct yet related productions, the three Sesame Stories productions use engaging live action, animation, and colourful characters in an effort to meet the educational needs of young children (ages 4-7) in Israel, Palestine and Jordan, respectively. The project addresses children's general developmental needs with a particular focus on self-esteem, mutual respect and appreciation for diversity. The series' original material is the result of ongoing co-operation between Sesame Workshop, local education and early-childhood professionals, and content specialists. The versions have some unique and some shared elements: Palestinian, Jordanian and Israeli children view specific segments formatted to address their specific cultural and linguistic needs as viewers are introduced to positive images of themselves and their neighbours.

Locally developed characters are designed to appeal to preschoolers and engage them with culturally relevant humour. For example, the Jordan series features Tonton, a 4-year-old with a big heart who has deep concerns for the issues she cares about and lets nothing stand in her way. She absorbs knowledge like a sponge and is very self-confident. In the Palestine series, Kareem is a 7-year-old rooster who is infinitely proud of his voice and his glorious feathers. He is an avid reader who is computer-literate and often refers to the internet and to books when he has a question he wants answered. Kareem is organised, tidy, always on time, and believes in doing things the "right way" - traditionally. The Israeli series introduces viewers to Noah and Brosh, a Muppet duo developed to reflect different, sometimes "opposing" characteristics and personality styles. Noah and Brosh represent the project's educational objective: all individuals are both similar and different to one another, and it is this diversity which can serve as the basis for friendship.

In each country, 26 episodes of the half-hour Sesame Stories programmes aired beginning in fall 2003. The Jordan version was co-produced by Jordan Pioneers (Amman) and aired on Jordan's public television station. In Palestine, the episodes were co-produced by Al-Quds University's Institute for Modern Media in Ramallah; the series appeared on The Ma'an Network (10 independent stations covering the West Bank and Gaza). The Israeli series debuted on Israel's preschool channel Hop! The Israeli series has since also aired on Israel's Channel 2, where it was broadcast with Arabic subtitles, as well as on Israel's Channel 33, where the Israeli series airs in an Arabic-dubbed version.

In both countries, community outreach initiatives supplemented the television series to promote respect and understanding off-screen. Educational materials such as activity books, teachers' guides, home videos, posters, and public service announcements (PSAs) addressing parents were produced for use in early childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens, and homes. The first Hebrew/Arabic bilingual interactive material was developed for the project and is available online, as are educational CD-Roms.

Launched on May 30 2102, HikayatSimSim.com is an online resource with activities and guides for parents, teachers, and children ages 4-8. The site includes games that help teach concepts that Sesame Workshop believes are critical for school readiness, "tips" and parental guides for caregivers, and introductions to Tonton, Juljul and Elmo, the furry friends children see when they watch Hikayat SimSim.

Early Childhood Development, Education, Intercultural Understanding.

In light of the escalation of violence in the region and throughout the world, this project is an effort to present new images and positive messages of respect and understanding to children at an early (impressionable) age.

As of December 2005, each of the original Sesame Stories producers in the Middle East is planning to embark on a new season of programming. Jordan Pioneers is working with Sesame Workshop to prepare season two of Hikayat Simsim, which will include 26 new episodes. The Al Quds Institute for Modern Media will also partner with Sesame Workshop once again to develop 26 new episodes of the Palestinian series. Channel Hop! is creating 40 new episodes of television programming to debut on Israeli television in December 2006. These three projects will continue to address goals of mutual respect and understanding. The new seasons will examine the diversity that exists within each respective society while also promoting a comprehensive range of educational skills. An educational outreach materials initiative will continue to be an integral part of each of these projects.