Inspiring to see the Independent Lens episode on PBS focusing on the international model Sesame Workshop has developed. They go straight to the heart of it at Sesame, focusing on some of the most difficult problems: HIV in South Africa, development in Bangladesh, conflict and community in Kosovo. And their model draws out local resources and solutions, reminding us of the depth of creativity found in people around the world.
I was fortunate to study with Gerry Lesser, one of the founders of Sesame Street, in graduate school. And my particular focus in his course was on uses of television that promote cultural understanding among children. So it was especially rewarding to see how deep and wide the Sesame Workshop model has become, transforming itself to the resources in local communities. Inspiring.
