Children and Educators Join Celebration for ``Alam Simsim,'' a Breakthrough Egyptian Co-Production for Children.

Business/Entertainment & Television Writers

CAIRO, Egypt--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2000

Children and educators today gathered in Cairo to celebrate the much-anticipated premiere of "Alam Simsim," the Egyptian co-production of the international classic children's television program "Sesame Street."

Set in a typical Egyptian street, a welcoming library and a neighborhood park, "Alam Simsim" will debut on Egyptian Television in March as a daily series. Co-produced by Karma Productions (which was formed for the sole purpose of producing "Alam Simsim" and other television programs and which houses a staff of more than 80 local Egyptian directors, producers, writers, musicians and actors), and Children's Television Workshop (the Workshop), the creators of the original "Sesame Street" series, "Alam Simsim" is especially aimed at preschoolers and young primary school students -- children learning to count and read, to share and appreciate their culture.

"Alam Simsim's" lessons are illustrated through humor, music, fantasy and daily life situations. Short story segments on the "Street" are combined with animation and mini-documentaries to create a uniquely engaging program format that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Among those calling "Alam Simsim" home are friends and neighborhood Muppets Khokha, Filfil and Nimnim (created by The Jim Henson Co.). Khokha is a four-year-old girl with a passion for learning. Curious and creative, she loves to ask questions as much as she loves finding out the solutions.

Filfil is an ageless Muppet who has all the answers, even though he may not know what the questions are. Enthusiastic and easy going, Filfil genuinely wants to help his friends in need.

Nimnim is a young Muppet who is wise for his age. Gentle and patient, he finds his surroundings fresh and amazing, especially when it comes to nature. Surprise celebrity guests will also appear in the series.

With the planned two seasons of 65 half-hour episodes each, the series teaches numeracy and literacy in addition to a focus in girl's education, the environment, and health and hygiene. Leading Egyptian educators worked in close cooperation with program writers and directors throughout the production process to ensure the effectiveness of the program for young audiences -- helping to shape the curriculum into engaging and entertaining stories and evaluating feedback to ensure the concepts introduced were attractive and easy to understand for children.

"Alam Simsim" is supported by Egypt's First Lady Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, who is a patron of the program. The Workshop worked closely with the Ministry of Education on the series' content and the Ministry of Information on the series' broadcast. Dr. Hussein Kamel Bahaa' El Din, Minister of Education, and Mr. Safwat El Sherif, Minister of Information, are also strong supporters of "Alam Simsim."

Funding for the "Alam Simsim" series has been provided to the Workshop by the United States Agency for International Development. Americana, the leading food company in the Middle East, is the proud official sponsor for the series.

Children's Television Workshop is a non-profit educational organization committed to maximizing the power of media as an educational force in the lives of children. Its properties include television, online, CD-ROM, magazines, books, film, community outreach and product licensing.

Best known as the creators of "Sesame Street," the Workshop's programming has been enjoyed in 140 countries, including 20 indigenous co-productions reflecting local languages, customs and educational needs. Find the Workshop online at www.ctw.org or www.sesamestreet.com.