The new character, Ameera, will premiere next week on Ahlan Simsim ("Welcome Sesame" in Arabic), the local version of Sesame Street in the Middle East and North Africa. Ameera will also star in innovative, globally tested videos designed to quickly deliver playful learning to children affected by conflict and crisis.
A witty, inquisitive 8-year-old girl with a passion for science and basketball, Ameera uses her bright purple wheelchair or forearm crutches to get around due to a spinal cord injury. She's everyone's favorite comedian, and her great sense of humor serves her well as a natural leader who encourages others with her bright personality. Sometimes, Ameera gets too wrapped up in her own ideas and forgets to notice everyone else's, but she always remembers that play and learning are most fun when she includes her friends' ideas too.
"Thoughtfully designed to challenge stereotypes and reflect children's lived experiences, Ameera brings visibility to the 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," said Sherrie Westin, President of Sesame Workshop. "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."
Watch Ameera come to life:
Ameera makes her debut in season 5 of Ahlan Simsim, which will focus on the social-emotional skills of kindness towards oneself and others. Ameera will join beloved Ahlan Simsim friends like Basma, Jad, and a sweet baby goat named Ma'zooza, as well as familiar favorites like Elmo, Gargur (Grover), and Kaki (Cookie Monster), as they navigate setbacks and learn about appreciation of oneself and mutual respect through play. Along the way, the Muppets of Ahlan Simsim will help young viewers grow more confident and resilient in the face of life's ups and downs. Season 5 will premiere across the Middle East and North Africa at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
In addition to appearing on the new season of Ahlan Simsim, Ameera will join Sesame friends in new "Watch, Play, Learn" animated videos designed for children ages 3-8 on topics like social-emotional learning; math; science; child protection, health, and safety. The videos, which are part of Sesame Workshop's Play to Learn program and developed with extensive consultation with advisors and tested with families around the world, are created for broad use to respond to the most pressing needs of children affected by crises.
Watch a preview of the new video below:
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