A  recent New York Times article stated that a media-collaboration between the International Rescue Committee and educators from Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon will launch a humanitarian aid mission focused on early-childhood education by using the program “Sesame Street.”

The show will focus on children displaced by the on-going Syrian War. Visiting all four countries, the show will feature children, families and caregivers at clinics, community centers or homes, etc. Soon, refugee kids, no matter where they are, will be able to walk down the road of the new series, officially named “Ahian Simasim” or “Welcome Street.” The show provides these kids with the tools to express how they feel, and most importantly, what it means to not be afraid but resilient after the tragedies they have seen. 

The ABCs, coping mechanisms for expressing emotions and provide the chance to positively identify themselves in the media. The characters have Arabic names like “Basma,” meaning smile, and “Jad,” which connects to generosity. All the details combined are to show the children they are not alone and always have a home at “Sesame Street.” 

Maya Farhat, a junior at JCU, was shared her perspective on the show’s mission, as someone who currently has family members in Syria.  

“Many people don’t realize the effect the Syrian Civil War has on youth. Schools and hospitals are being bombed daily, which leads to a lack of facilities and makes it difficult for them to have an adequate education. I think the best benefit of producing this version of ‘Sesame Street’ is education.” 

Farhat continues, “I think that children learn more when material is presented to them in some fun and colorful way, so I think kids will genuinely be educated about the topics discussed on the show. I also really like how the show will talk about how to handle emotions and becoming friends with new people. These are difficulties that all children face, but refugee kids face these issues in more difficult circumstances. I love the fact that these kids will be able to relate to others that are portrayed on their TVs. “

Farhat highlighted that the essence of the show will not only impact and relate to the Syrian refugees but in fact, “[w]ill allow kids from all over the world to relate to refugee children. A majority of Americans grew up on Sesame Street, and to learn that even refugees have this same upbringing gives Americans a sense of closeness and ability to relate to these refugees, despite them being so far away.“ 

Without a doubt, the Syrian refugee “Sesame Street” is fulfilling the recent United Nations chief’s appeal to assist in ending the “humanitarian nightmare in Syria.