Credit: Sesame Workshop
Almost everyone has been bullied at one point in their life. Childhood bullying can be extremely traumatic and upsetting – especially for kids with additional needs. Sesame Street are coming together to end bullying through education.
Launching their first-ever crowdfunding campaign, Sesame Street is continuing their pledge to spread further knowledge on autism to support autistic children and their families.
SESAME WORKSHOP
The Kickstarter campaign has been organised by Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind Sesame Street, to help kids around the world “grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”
Riding on the success of autistic muppet Julia the latest project is looking to prevent bullying towards autistic children. In the UK, more than 700,000 people are on the autistic spectrum and many still feel that autism is under represented and needs more awareness.
JULIA
When muppet Julia made her debut appearance on Sesame Street, in April 2017, alongside Big Bird there was a roar of praise from charities, media outlets, and most importantly, the autistic community and their loved ones.
Julia was originally a digital-only storybook character before she hit the screen and now she’s making another appearance in book form. Looking to reach their target goal of £53,267 before 11 May, Sesame Workshop will be able to create a child friendly digital storybook about understanding differences through everyday activities and play – plus articles and supplementary materials about bullying for grown-ups
END BULLYING
Bullying is a horrible thing – no matter your age – and it’s more common for people to bully others because they’re different. Why does this happen? Due to lack of education and understanding.
Support from Sesame Workshop will help young autistic children and their families to feel supported and continue to raise awareness to prevent childhood bullying. The digital storybook will draw on experience from industry professionals, research for an accessible starting point on discussing bullying.
The Muppets are certainly on a mission for success and equality.
Find out more about Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children here and how to donate here.