See how you, the IRC and Sesame Workshop are helping refugee children.

Hi John, Tomorrow, "60 Minutes" will be featuring the IRC and Sesame Workshop's innovative early child development program, Ahlan Simsim (Welcome Sesame in Arabic) — and I thought you would enjoy tuning in! Since 2018, the IRC and Sesame Workshop have worked together to give refugee children in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Ahlan Simsim is a program that combines IRC's critical early childhood services for the youngest children living in crisis zones, with a new Arabic-language version of the TV show "Sesame Street" — supporting their development in person and via mass media. The Ahlan Simsim TV show features new Muppets with stories and experiences refugee children can relate to: Jad, who had to leave his home; Basma, who befriends the newcomer; and Ma'zooza, a baby goat who follows Jad and Basma wherever they go.

John, if you watched "Sesame Street" growing up, you'll appreciate the nurturing care these new Muppets are providing to children who've experienced war and displacement—and who are now dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. In coordination with Sesame Workshop, we've recently adapted our in-person programs. We're providing remote learning opportunities to young children and their caregivers during the pandemic, a target group continuously overlooked in national responses. Using characters and animation from the Ahlan Simsim TV show, we're providing age-specific digital activities that focus on language skills, hygiene, social-emotional learning, and physical movement — to ensure these children emerge from the pandemic to a bright future ahead of them. You can learn more about Ahlan Simsim by tuning in to "60 Minutes" tomorrow, Sunday, July 26. Please check your local listings for more details in your local time zone. I'm excited for you to meet the Muppets who are helping young refugees find joy and thrive, even during this challenging time. Thank you so much for supporting children and families around the world. Andrea Kost Senior Officer of Digital Stewardship International Rescue Committee P.S. Can't tune in to "60 Minutes" tomorrow? Watch a clip about Ahlan Simsim here »

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