Children's Television Project

The project's interventions include a penguin-based television program; radio programs for children, mothers, and other caregivers; and an array of local outreach featuring specially developed characters and content that reflects Pakistan's cultural diversity. The project stresses messages of inclusion and respect, with a particular emphasis on opportunities for girls. The main objective of the project is to prepare Pakistani children for learning and inspire parents to recognize that children must be educated. The project's main activities include producing and broadcasting 130 episodes of a television series, "Sim Sim Hamara," for children aged 4 to 9. Additionally, the project aims to produce and broadcast 130 radio programs for caregivers, mothers, and teachers of young children. Live performances and mobile video shows will be conducted in selected districts throughout Pakistan. The project also involves developing outreach materials, known as "Big Books," for use in outreach activities. Furthermore, the project will produce and conduct 9,000 screenings with Big Book-based group shows in selected districts throughout Pakistan. An interactive website for children will be developed and launched. Training will be provided to Pakistani writers, puppeteers, wranglers, and production crews. State-of-the-art production and sound equipment have been constructed and equipped. Core characters, props, and sets have been developed. Twenty-six episodes of season one of "Sim Sim Hamara" have been produced, with airings beginning in late 2011. Fifty-two children's songs have been finalized. Two workshops in puppeteering have been conducted, and two topical papers have been commissioned to highlight the importance of pre-schooling and the use of technologies such as television to prepare children for school.