Nigeria, U.S. to promote learning among children

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Education, Headlines Sunday, May 15th, 2011

UNITED States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence McCulley, Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, and USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, Ray Kirkland are expected at the launch of Nigerian adaptation of Sesame Street, a children television series which focuses on literacy, mathematics and health education today at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Headquarters in Abuja

McCulley who welcomed the development, said it would impact positively on the health, education of Nigerian children and families.

“Through our collaboration with Sesame Workshop to produce Sesame Square and the related outreach materials we hope to make a significant difference in improving the health, education and everyday lives of Nigerian children and their families,” he said.

McCulley added: “It is our hope that through the generous support of the American people, Sesame Square will help put the children of Nigeria on a positive path for a lifetime of learning and wellness.”

For his part Umar Mohammed, Director of Programmes, Nigerian Television Authority said, “We are excited to introduce children and families to their new friends on Sesame Square for the first time ever in Nigeria and on NTA.”

“We know that children will enjoy learning and laughing alongside Kami and Zobi as they engage in lessons that will help them lead brighter, more positive lives.”

Funded by the United States Government, through USAID, Sesame Square is co-produced by Nigerian production house Ileke Media and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Sesame Square premieres on Saturday, May 21 at 9:30 a.m. and will air every Saturday in the same time slot and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. on NTA.

Funded by the United States government, through USAID, Sesame Square is co-produced by Ileke Media and Sesame Workshop, a non-profit educational organization.

The programme’s story-lines were developed in collaboration with the teams of educational advisors that include Nigeria’s Ministries of Education and Health. Season One of Sesame Square consists of 26 half-hour television episodes designed to promote fundamental literacy, numeracy, health and good hygiene habits in settings that foster children’s self-esteem, cultural pride, and respect for differences and diversity. Sesame Square will also emphasise Malaria prevention and Human Immunodeficiency Vrus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education.

In a statement made available to The Guardian at the weekend, through its collaboration with Sesame Workshop produced Sesame Square and the related outreach materials, hopes to make a difference in improving the health, education and everyday lives of Nigerian children and their families.

He said: “It is our hope that through the generous support of the American people, Sesame Square will help put the children of Nigeria on a positive path for a lifetime of learning and wellness.”

-Guardianwp_posts