The Sesame Workshop Wants to Take Child Refugees to School

Children displaced from tumultuous countries don’t often have an opportunity to find comfort and education in mass media. The Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are looking to change that.

According to Mashable, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street and the humanitarian group announced that they’ll be collaborating on multimedia featuring Muppet characters specially designed for child refugees who are frequently lacking in schooling. The partnership will distribute materials via portable technology—e-readers, mobile phones, and tablets—as well as existing curriculums. The goal will in part be to provide a more structured lesson plan than might otherwise be available to kids who face uncertain futures.

Sesame Workshop recently introduced Zari, a female Muppet, in Afghanistan, with an eye on providing a positive female role model. It’s expected that places like South Africa, Israel, and Nigeria will receive content tailored to their respective needs. A pilot program is due within the next six to nine months.

[h/t Mashable]