Sesame Workshop Debuts New Muppet Ameera

Sesame Workshop has unveiled a new Muppet character named Ameera as part of its work to support children and families affected by crisis and displacement.

Ameera, an 8-year-old girl who uses her purple wheelchair or forearm crutches to get around due to a spinal cord injury, will make her debut next week on Ahlan Simsim (Welcome Sesame), the local version of Sesame Street in the Middle East and North Africa. Ameera will also star in videos designed to deliver playful learning to children affected by conflict and crisis.

The Watch, Play, Learn animated videos are designed for children ages 3 to 8 and cover topics like social-emotional learning, math, science, child protection, health and safety. The videos, which are part of Sesame Workshop’s Play to Learn program and developed with consultation with advisers and tested with families around the world, are created for broad use to respond to the needs of children affected by crises.

Sherrie Westin, president of Sesame Workshop, said: “Thoughtfully designed to challenge stereotypes and reflect children’s lived experiences, Ameera brings visibility to the more than 12 million displaced persons and 240 million children worldwide estimated to have a disability as well as to the important role of girls in STEM. At a time when more children than ever before are affected by conflict and displacement, Ameera also highlights the urgent need for creative and flexible approaches to delivering playful learning and early education to communities affected by crisis.”

Scott Cameron, head of international production at Sesame Workshop, said: “Ameera continues Sesame Workshop’s long history of creating diverse characters that children around the world can relate to, and we are so excited to welcome this exuberant 8-year-old girl to our cast of beloved Sesame Muppets. Ameera was in development for over two years and was designed with the guidance of inclusion advisers who helped ensure that her identity, movements and equipment were representational. An instant favorite with our writers for humor and wit, we know that Ameera will inspire young viewers to be curious and confident.”