A new version of “Sesame Street” is coming to Middle Eastern TV in February 2020 thanks to Mohammad Aljamous, a Syrian refugee in Canada.
The show, which will focus on helping children deal with trauma and isolation, was funded by a $100 million USD grant from the MacArthur Foundation. Mohammad Aljamous, who goes by “Jamous,” was asked to be a consultant on the show while working at the International Rescue Committee. His contributions came from living as a refugee for six years in Jordan.
The show, offered in Arabic, will feature a combination of Muppets and people, like the original.
Since displaced children most often don’t have access to schooling, the show will focus heavily on education. Speaking to CTV News, Jamous said refugee families in camps “have long days where they don’t have anything to do besides watching TV. So, it’s good to invest time in watching something that will benefit them.”
The show will also teach kids stress management such as breathing techniques and help them develop a positive point of view about their culture to help them with prejudice.