MetLife Foundation and Sesame Workshop Launch “Dream, Save, Do” in Egypt
Comprehensive Program to Support Financial Empowerment
MetLife Foundation and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educa- tional organization behind Alam Simsim, launched a new multimedia global initiative today called “Dream, Save, Do: Financial Empowerment for Families.” Part of a global initiative intended to help children and the adults in their lives acquire healthy financial skills and behav- iors, “Dream, Save, Do” provides engaging content featuring the Alam Simsim Muppets, language for discussion, and effective strategies for spending, saving, sharing, and donating. Alam Simsim, with brand new content, debuts this Ramadan.
Alkarma Edutainment, the Cairo-based organization that produces Alam Simsim, confirmed that Al Nahar will be airing the 30 new episodes this upcoming Ramadan, bringing back the beloved Egyptian children’s show to its large audience.
The episodes will air on Al Nahar before Iftar. In addition to the television program, “Dream, Save, Do” will have a community engagement component in four governorates (Cairo, Alexan- dria, Fayoum, and Qena) which will train families on different topics such as creating plans and making goals to be healthy and safe, and building positive lifelong habits. There will also be a radio component where Nogoum FM will air short segments that highlight the goals of the initiative.
In November 2013, MetLife Foundation announced its commitment of $20 million to Sesame Workshop over five years to address financial empowerment among families with young children throughout the world. “Dream, Save, Do” is also underway in Brazil, India, Mexico, China, Chile, Japan, and the UAE, and is expected to reach close to 75 million people world- wide.
Sesame Workshop and MetLife Foundation have worked together to build a coalition of global and local advisors and specialists to inform content development. Financial empowerment for families was determined to develop from three core motivational cues:
- “We can do it!” Having a positive attitude including having confidence and aspirations.
- “How can we do it?” Knowing behaviors related to self-regulation and executive function (conscious control of thoughts, feelings and actions) that can help set, plan and achieve goals.
- “What information do we need?” Having the knowledge and information needed to achieve financial empowerment and reach one’s goals.
Research and advice from the team of experts were used to drive the creation of educational materials and multimedia content including new animated and live action segments, interactive games, comics, songs, activity sheets, and caregiver guides featur- ing the beloved Alam Simsim characters. The materials and content will be delivered
through digital media, broadcast, community outreach, local events, and seminars.
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 2016, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $744 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 com- munities around the world. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit
About Alkarma Edutainment
Alkarma Edutainment is the producer of Alam Simsim, the Egyptian co-production of the world-famous Sesame Street. From idea conception, content development, production, to product licensing and support, Alkarma Edutainment is a full service provider with over 20 years of experience in high-end television production. It is the pioneer in Egypt and the Middle East in the field of edutainment programming for children of different age groups. To learn more about Alkarma Edutainment, visit
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 coun- tries, 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 informa- tion, please visit
