US-based MetLife Foundation and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind Iftah Ya Simsim, has launched a new initiative at the Jalila Children’s Centre in Dubai, UAE.

MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management.

Since its creation in 1976, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $700 million in grants to make a positive difference for the people, families and communities.  

Part of a global multimedia programme aiming to help young children and their parents acquire healthy financial skills and behaviours, the initiative, titled “Dream, Save, Do: Financial Empowerment for Families”, provides engaging content featuring Muppets from Iftah Ya Simsim, the Arabic version of Sesame Street, with effective strategies for spending, saving, sharing, and donating, said a statement from the company.

Attending the launch event were key representatives from the Ministry of Community Development and HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi), who welcomed the initiative and committed to continue working with Sesame Workshop and MetLife Foundation to help young children and families in the UAE by promoting financial culture and education in the early years.

As part of the initiative, “Dream, Save, Do” content will be a part of Iftah Ya Simsim’s 30-episode Ramadan Series set to run throughout the holy month, it stated.

The episodes feature the Iftah Ya Simsim Muppets learning about planning, saving, and making thoughtful decisions, said a statement.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development Sana Suhail, said: “This is aligned with the ministry’s objective to provide a stable economic environment for children, nurturing a conscious and creative generation, which in turn helps build the economy as well as prosperity of our society.”

“The show has become an essential tool to help young children learn the Arabic language as well as values and life lessons that support their growth, and we look forward to seeing the positive effect of ‘Dream, Save, Do’ on their lives as well,” she added.

Michel Khalaf, president of MetLife Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “Our organisation and Sesame Workshop have long histories of supporting the communities in which we work. Our goal is to ensure that families have access to the knowledge they need to put them on the path to financial security.”

“This programme will help establish an early foundation for building positive lifelong habits,” he said.- TradeArabia News Service