Sisimpur to premiere ‘Elmo’s World News’ special for families amid coronavirus pandemic
As children and families in Bangladesh continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Sisimpur episode aims to support them.
In Elmo's World News, Elmo will host a news programme from his bedroom, calling on Halum, Tuktuki, Grover, and children from around the globe to share how they are playing and learning while staying safe at home.
Premiering on June 27, 2020, on Bangladeshi television channels, the 25-minute special episode will model playful learning activities for families to do together at home and give children strategies to manage their feelings of frustration or sadness. The special episode, produced in association with LEGO Foundation and creators and puppeteers across the world, will air on Deepto TV at 7:45 AM, Duronto TV at 1 PM, RTV at 5:30 PM, Bangla TV at 5:30 PM, Maasranga TV at 6:30 PM, Bijoy TV at 9 PM and BTV at 09:30 PM. It will also air in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
In the episode, Halum and Tuktuki share breaking news on how children are managing and expressing their feelings through movement and dance, while Reporter Raya shares a playful and interactive update on ways children around the world maintain daily routines. Weather Reporter Grover uses his imagination to 'bring the outside inside' by adapting his favourite outdoor activities to create indoor fun. Special Correspondent Cookie Monster tells viewers about his 'Things That Make Me Happy' box, a simple family activity to practice mindfulness and gratitude with everyday objects.
"With so many children in Bangladesh not attending school now, Sisimpur aims to support families with the tools they need to foster playful learning at home and cope with challenges," said Mohammad Shah Alam, Executive Director of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, the home of Sisimpur. "Together with LEGO Foundation, we want to harness the power of play to help families across Bangladesh build the resilience that will help them during these tough times and beyond."
In addition to Elmo's World News, Sisimpur will arrange short videos and digital activities in the coming months to help families through the different challenges and transitions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The show is produced under the supervision of Sesame Workshop USA and financed by the Government of Bangladesh and USAID.