Takalani Sesame Health Project - South Africa

The world’s first radio version of the popular TV Sesame Street series aired in South Africa as Takalani Sesame. A multi-media educational programme, Takalani Sesame was broadcast in Xhosa, Zulu, Tsonga, Tsepedi, English and Afrikaans. The radio programme series introduced Kami, the HIV-positive muppet. Kami’s name is derived from the word ‘acceptance’ in Setswana and carries with it a sense of belonging, hope and optimism.

With training and support from Lifeline Energy, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) successfully distributed 500 lifeline radios to teachers in the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces. The project also incorporates an innovative curriculum covering key aspects of HIV/AIDS for school children.

Takalani Sesame is funded in part by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in support of the South African Department of Education, Sanlam and SABC Education. The Rockefeller Brothers Foundation funded the Lifeline radios.

Press Clippings

Cape Argus

      Wind Up Radios to be put to Healthy Use, May 2006

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The Times

      Children who Listen and Learn to be in Charge, January 2006

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