Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand and Guyana’s Permanent Ambassador to the United States Bayney Karran met with senior executives at Sesame Workshop in New York, to discuss bringing the Sesame Street programme to Guyana.
In a statement, the Human Services Ministry said the April 7, 2011 meeting focused on how the Sesame Workshop could contribute and collaborate with the government to create programming to be aired on the Education Broadcasting Television Service channel. It discussed programming that addresses gender equality, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, the importance of exercise, public safety themes, ethnic tolerance, respect for seniors and others. Manickchand also talked about informing children about their rights to live free from abuse and of their responsibilities as children in a way that is appropriate for young children.
The meeting also discussed the beginning of a long-term sustainable relationship between Guyana and the Sesame Workshop, which is a non-profit organisation that provides educational outreach to children across the globe. Manickchand also talked about creating culturally relevant programming and the possible introduction of local Guyanese puppet characters to join the Sesame Street family of puppets.
“The discussion also touched upon creating additional capacity within Guyana’s robust artistic community by bringing training in puppeteering and filmmaking to Guyana,” the statement said. It said too the meeting marks the beginning of a long-term relationship and commitment to bring entertaining and relevant educational programming to the nation’s children.
The meeting was facilitated by the Margaret Clemons Foundation, one of government’s partners in ending violence against women and children. The Sesame team included Chief Operating Officer Mel Ming, Senior Vice-President Global Education Charlotte Cole, Vice President Production Operations Global TV Liza Annunziata, Director of International Research Jorge Baxter and others.
