Ahlan Simsim Season Two: Behind the Scenes

Season Two of Ahlan Simsim, an Arabic-language version of Sesame Street, has premiered across the Middle East! Take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this groundbreaking show, which is bringing laughter and learning to millions of refugee children and their new neighbors.

A look back at their proposal, which in 2017 was awarded a $100 million MacArthur Foundation grant. Alongside the International Rescue Committee, they have worked to implement an evidence-based, early childhood development intervention designed to address the “toxic stress” experienced by children in the Syrian response region — Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. The project aims to improve children’s learning outcomes today and their intellectual and emotional development over the long term.