Can you tell me how to get to... Sesame Street?

Over the past few weeks, we've received reports of famous characters turning up in schools in Iraq.

Specifically, Elmo.

Yes, Elmo, from Sesame Street!

The WV team needed help teaching primary aged students about the importance of hygiene in a fun and engaging way, and nothing says fun like Elmo and Sesame Street.

Grouches, big birds and Ernies press play :)

Much of our work in complex places, such as Iraq, rely on local partnerships. World Vision plays a crucial role in developing and delivering essential programming for children and schools are a key partner.

We've designed Sesame Street WASH Up sessions to address essential health needs, but also increase a child's awareness and confidence, benefitting the physical, social and emotional needs of a child. This is especially important for girls.

The WASH UP day involves all the obvious things, loud and fun interactive workshops, colouring in, practical demonstrations and games with a twist.

The games are designed to allow children to engage in healthy competition in a culturally sensitive way. Encouraging girls to strive and push themselves to win is not just about having fun, it fosters a sense of achievement and possibility. Whilst this is important for all children, it's exceptionally important for girls.

Teachers note this as a key benefit that our partnership brings to the children.

Nahla (Teacher)

"World Vision Iraq's project is one of the most outstanding and impactful initiatives introduced in our school.

I’ve noticed it has significantly increased students’ enthusiasm—whenever the organization visits, it becomes a joyful day for them.

Additionally, the involvement of our teachers in the project has enhanced the activities, making them more effective. The students have become even more excited and engaged."

Rusul (Teacher)

"The children really enjoyed it because it was delivered through games and storytelling. That’s why the children loved the program so much. Raya and Elmo, taught lessons about personal and environmental hygiene. They showed how to set a good example for other students both in and out of school, becoming health superstars.

It was a wonderful initiative, and the children truly loved it."

Rabia Hadim Kadem (School Administrator)

Our school partnered with World Vision Iraq, and we greatly benefited from this program. It helped cultivate a spirit of healthy competition among students and encouraged them to avoid negative behaviors at school.

The program also focused on promoting healthy eating habits and identifying unhealthy food choices. Through fun activities like the Mat Game and storytelling, it raised cultural awareness and further inspired friendly competition among the girls.

As the saying goes, 'Learning at a young age is like carving on stone."

By teaching these values and nurturing a spirit of competition, we help our students become more ambitious and motivated to succeed in their goals."

In many of the places we work, simple things like dental hygiene, hand washing and a flushing toilet are not simple at all.

WASH teams (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) work tirelessly to advance public health, infrastructure and personal hygiene.

Latrines, clean water, hygiene kits, soap, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, cleaning products and community education, WASH teams are amazing!

Your gift is helping children WASH Up practically but also... joyfully.