Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the "Sesame Street" TV show, along with the International Rescue Committee, has received a $100 million grant to launch projects in the Middle East to help refugee children.
The goal is to help relieve the "toxic stress" that refugee children face, according to a MacArthur Foundation press release.
"This may be our most important initiative ever and we are humbled by the trust and confidence that has been placed in us. These children are, arguably, the world's most vulnerable and by improving their lives, we create a more stable and secure world for us all," said Jeffrey D. Dunn, president and CEO of the Sesame Workshop.
The project will pay for a version of "Sesame Street" tailored to Syrian refugee children, to teach them reading, language, math, and social and emotional skills, the press release said.
All the programming that is created for the project will eventually be available at no cost, the press release said.
The project will provide families with toys, games, picture books, and resources for parenting, as well as funding the creation of child development centers. Direct services at homes and centers will reach 1.5 million of the most vulnerable children, the press release said.
"We are compelled to respond to the urgent Syrian refugee crisis by supporting what will be the largest early childhood intervention program ever created in a humanitarian setting," MacArthur Foundation president Julia Stasch said in the press release.
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