Metlife Foundation and Sesame Workshop Launch “Dream, Save, Do” Comprehensive Global Program to Support Financial Empowerment in Japan

TOKYO, September 23, 2016/3BL Media/ - MetLife Foundation and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, announced the launch of a new multi-media initiative in Japan called “Dream, Save, Do: Financial Empowerment for Families.” The program will be implemented through Japan’s local school network and is intended to help children, and the adults in their lives, acquire healthy financial skills and behaviors. Engaging content features the Sesame Street Muppets, language for discussion, and effective strategies for spending, saving, sharing, and donating.

Speaking at the launch event held today at the YouTube Space Tokyo, Sachin N. Shah, Representative Statutory Executive Officer, Chairman, and President of MetLife Japan, said, “We are proud of our global partnership with Sesame Workshop and we remain dedicated to advancing financial inclusion around the world. MetLife Japan and MetLife Foundation are committed to ensuring that families and people of all ages have access to the knowledge they need to put them on the path to financial security. We see our partnership with Sesame as a powerful way to advance our vision for financial inclusion worldwide, and to help more families prepare for a brighter, more secure future.”

“Like any other form of education, the key to this initiative’s success is to start with young children,” said Jeffrey D. Dunn, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop.  “Building a strong foundation in a person’s youngest years is the best way to establish positive lifelong habits. With ‘Dream, Save, Do,’ we are helping kids learn lessons with trusted friends like Elmo and Cookie Monster and incorporating financial empowerment-related activities into daily routines while facilitating important conversations between children and adults.”

Over the past year, the two organizations have assembled a coalition of global and local advisors to inform content development. Financial empowerment was found to incorporate three common mindsets:

• “We can do it!” Having a positive attitude, including having confidence and aspirations.
• “How can we do it?” Learning behaviors related to self-regulation and executive function (conscious control of thoughts, feelings, and actions) that can help in the setting, planning for and achieving of goals.
• “What information do we need” Acquiring the knowledge and information needed to achieve financial empowerment and reach one’s goals.

Research and recommendations from the advisory team were used to gauge reach, understanding, and educational and social impact, and to establish messaging. Families will be exposed to a wide-range of multimedia content, including interactive games and activity sheets featuring the beloved Sesame Street characters, through digital media, community outreach, local events, and seminars.

In November 2013, MetLife Foundation announced a five year US$20 million commitment to Sesame Workshop to address financial empowerment among families with young children throughout the world. The “Dream, Save, Do” program was launched in China, India, Brazil, and Mexico in 2015. More countries will be included in 2016 and beyond.

About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its founding through the end of 2015, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $700 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments to organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

About MetLife Insurance K.K.
Established in 1973, MetLife Japan operates diverse distribution channels such as captive sales agents, insurance agents, direct marketing and financial institutions. The company provides a broad range of products including life, accident & health and asset formation products to individuals and institutional customers enabling them to prepare against financial risks. Website: http://www.metlife.co.jp/

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re active in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.

For media queries, please contact
MetLife Insurance K.K.
Emiko Hirahata
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-6658-2291 

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