How Sesame Street Transforms Education and Social Norms Globally

In 1969, Joan Ganz Cooney launched the children’s educational television program Sesame Street, emphasizing that the issue wasn’t whether children were learning from media, but rather what they were learning. Fifty years later, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the show, operates in over 150 countries and reaches 150 million children worldwide with early education content.

However, providing a preschool curriculum is only part of Sesame Workshop’s mission, explains Sherrie Westin, the organization’s president of global impact and philanthropy. Sesame Workshop’s social impact initiatives generate meaningful outcomes. “Sesame Street has a long tradition of harnessing the power of media, storytelling, and its iconic Muppets to deliver quality early education to underserved communities while also influencing behaviors and shaping societal norms,” says Westin.

The program connects with children during their formative years, helping them build a sense of identity and understanding of the world. By using its characters as role models, Sesame Street has addressed important topics like girls’ empowerment. In Afghanistan, for instance, the local version of the show, Baghch-e-Simsim, introduced Zari, a Muppet who values learning and is portrayed as equal to her male peers. The program also models positive behavior for both children and their parents, showcasing fathers supporting their daughters in preparing for school.

Research has shown the program’s tangible impact. Afghan fathers reported that Baghch-e-Simsim influenced their decision to allow their daughters to attend school. “This is an example of planting seeds that can ultimately transform attitudes and behaviors,” Westin notes.