"Sisimpur", the popular children's program that embarked on television aiming to turn learning into a more enjoyable experience for pre-primary and primary level children, has completed 18 years of its journey in Bangladesh and entered the 19th year mark on 15 April.
Sisimpur is the co-production of the popular US based children's tv show Sesame Street produced by Sesame Workshop and its early childhood program activities range from the broadcast of research driven content on television, social media platforms, development of storybook titles, mobile application, and community outreach events as well, with the goal to reach all children of Bangladesh.
Sesame Workshop Bangladesh initiated Sisimpur in Bangladesh with the support of USAID Bangladesh, who continues to be a pivotal partner in this journey. Each year, 15 April is celebrated as "Sisimpur Day" as it was the very first day Sisimpur was broadcasted on television.
Through popular television shows and printed materials, Sisimpur continues to help children in identifying letters, identifying letters from words, matching words with letters, creating sentences with words and foundational numeracy as well.
Sisimpur's content has an edutainment format which focuses on engaging children with its entertaining characters and at the same time educates children on various themes.
Children enjoy this content even more when they hear it from the muppets characters of Sisimpur – Halum, Tuktuki, Ikri and Shiku, who connect with children of diversified socio-economic backgrounds.
At present, the 15th Season of Sisimpur is currently being telecasted on television, where the show introduced a new friend named Julia, who is a four-year-old muppet with autism.
On the community engagement front, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, which is the producer of Sisimpur, is currently working with 250 private primary schools in 5 upazilas of Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts with the financial and strategic support of USAID/Bangladesh.
Sisimpur always continues to be a fan favourite and a key attraction for children, parents and teachers at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. During the weekends of Book Fair, the kids corner was the most crowded spot as children and parents gathered around the live walk around show consisting of Sisimpur characters, where the audience is given various key messages focused on the importance of reading books, playing sports, nutritious meals, internet safety practices and beyond.
Managing Director of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, Mohammad Shah Alam says that for sixteen years, Sisimpur has being produced to meet the early education needs of 3 to 8 years old children.
