The article discusses the $20 million funding by USAID for Ahlan Simsim Iraq, an educational program linked to “Sesame Street”. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Senator Joni Ernst referenced this funding, which is meant for early childhood development, not exclusively for a new TV show as claimed. Clear distinctions exist between the funding for Ahlan Simsim Iraq and the show’s content.
During a press conference on February 5, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $20 million for a “Sesame Street” TV show in Iraq. Leavitt discussed budgetary concerns, criticizing Democrats for their outrage towards cuts in federal funding that included the said $20 million allocation alongside other expenditures.
Senator Joni Ernst echoed Leavitt’s remarks on February 13 during a Senate Committee hearing. However, this claim seems to conflate a children’s television program featuring “Sesame Street” characters with a specific educational initiative called Ahlan Simsim Iraq, which received USAID funding in 2021. The USAID initiative applies to both a TV show and a developmental program aimed at families in conflict areas.
Archived USAID information reveals that between July 2021 and June 2027, $20 million was granted to Sesame Workshop for the production of Ahlan Simsim Iraq, focusing on early childhood development. Despite the allocation, the two projects—Ahlan Simsim Iraq and the localized “Sesame Street”—are independently funded.
The Ahlan Simsim Iraq program enhances early education by developing local content, which incorporates educational materials and localized children’s media. This initiative aims to support teachers and caregivers through various resources including storybooks, training guides, and facilitation techniques, thereby improving the educational experience for children in the region.
In summary, the $20 million mentioned by officials pertains to USAID’s funding of the Ahlan Simsim Iraq program rather than a new “Sesame Street” show per se. While these initiatives are connected in their educational goals, they operate separately with distinct funding mechanisms. The funding supports the development of local content aimed at enhancing the quality of early childhood education in Iraq.
Original Source: www.snopes.com
