Big Bird Talks HIV in Nigeria

Sesame Workshop announced that the company will be expanding a Nigerian version of Sesame Street with the goal of discussing HIV/AIDS, female empowerment, and the importance of education.

Earlier in 2009, a pilot for The Adventures of Kami and Big Bird premiered in the African nation, but the new series is tentatively titled Sesame Street Nigeria.

"It is our hope that the series will make a strong impact among Nigerian children and their families to prepare them for school and life, as well as help them understand HIV and AIDS and acquire a foundation to overcome prejudices and stigmas associated with the diseases," said Naila Farouky, producer of Sesame Street Nigeria, reports Variety.

On top of 78 30-minute episodes, the organization also plans on producing outreach materials on HIV/AIDS. The resources will include videos featuring Big Bird and Kami, the character from South Africa's Takalani Sesame who is HIV-positive.

Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit educational organization, is receiving a five-year grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development to fund the project.

Currently, shows from Sesame Workshop include Sesame Street and localized versions across the globe, including in Kosovo, the Palestinian territories, India, Egypt, and Northern Ireland.