Sesame Workshop has long been an advocate for diversity and inclusion. In honour of World Sight Day, Dr Onyinye Nwaneri highlights the critical importance of teaching childhood about diversity and inclusion and talks to Maymoona Chouglay, the first visually impaired cast member of Takalani Sesame, says the NPO.

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organisation behind Takalani Sesame, conducts extensive research across its global adaptations, aiming to consistently demonstrate that representation in children's media fosters inclusion, empathy and self-worth. Children who see characters that reflect their own identities in terms of race, language, ability, or culture are more likely to feel accepted and valued, says the NPO.

"This sense of recognition contributes to the development of a positive self-image and enhances social-emotional learning. When diversity is portrayed as normal and celebrated, children not only feel seen but also learn to appreciate differences in others," says Dr Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop International South Africa.

Sesame Workshop aims to maintain their commitment to representing the diverse identities of audiences, and cultivating belonging, while challenging biases and barriers to inclusion. Takalani Sesame dedicates seasons focused on these pillars, incorporating affirmations such as 'Everyone is Welcome on Takalani Sesame,' and 'Everyone is Special in Their Own Ways.'

"In a country filled with so many diverse cultures and people, teaching our children about diversity and inclusion not only empowers children with knowledge, but fosters an early awareness of natural inclusion," says Dr Nwaneri.

Takalani Sesame aims to build on its inclusive legacy through multilingual characters and storylines that address disability, HIV, emotional well-being and gender equity — reflecting the lived realities of South African children, especially in underserved communities. Today, the programme reaches over 4-million viewers monthly and is embraced by 95% of households with young children, underscoring its national relevance, says the NPO.

Meeting Maymoona: One of Takalani Sesame's First Visually Impaired Cast Members

In celebration Takalani Sesame's 25th anniversary, Dr Nwaneri revisits a cast member from the early 2000s — Maymoona Chouglay, says the NPO.

"Maymoona, now a successful social worker, was one of our first-ever cast members of Takalani Sesame. Living with a visual impairment, she featured in early episodes designed to educate children while promoting inclusion and ubuntu."

"I became a cast member through the school for the blind that I attended, as Sesame Workshop was looking for someone with a visual impairment to form part of the cast, to teach children about visual impairment and blindness. At the time, I was partially blind, so I can still remember what Elmo and all the characters look like! I always looked forward to the episodes where children were involved," says Maymoona.

She explains that being part of the show, helped her to show the world that a disability does not need to be limiting, and also helped her to feel like she fit into society, adds the NPO.

"Being a part of Takalani Sesame meant a lot to me, on various levels. As a child losing my sight, participating in the show really boosted my confidence and self-esteem. It was an important milestone for me, and taught me how to use my voice, project and just 'speak up.' That's actually how I became a social worker, through the realisation that I can use my voice to make a difference. The experience helped me to grow and motivated me to do more, and to realise that you can live your dreams."

Maymoona believes that children learn from watching and interacting, and having representation has deep impact. "Having representation shows equality, inclusion and that people are all people — no matter what their challenges, regardless of a physical or hidden disability — representation from all levels in society matters," she says.

In celebration of World Sight Day, Maymoona says that one can make differently abled children feel more included by educating children, so they understand that everyone is different, but these things don't define us. She adds that inclusivity is about communication and advises people not to make assumptions about those with disabilities — ask questions and communicate, says adds the NPO.

Dr Nwaneri concludes by encouraging parents to teach their children about diversity and belonging. "From a young age we can encourage children to understand differences and embrace that everyone is special in their own way. By creating space for everyone to be included, we build communities of belonging where children feel comfortable with their identity and learn to value others."

For more information, visit www.sesameworkshop.org. You can also follow Sesame Workshop on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor