“TALK TO ME” Launch—A Children’s Appeal
Speech by Denise Rollins, Deputy Director
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
November 12, 2004

Seven years ago, Takalani Sesame began with a simple idea:  to create a place where all South African children, especially those who have limited access to education, could feel safe and learn about themselves and the world in which they live.

Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is honored to be associated with our valued partners in turning this simple idea into a successful, world-famous program.  Takalani Sesame reaches millions of South African boys and girls who desperately need access to preschool education, especially in rural areas. 

USAID has been a strong partner of South Africa’s for decades.  In the 1980s, our financial support enabled hundreds of disadvantaged South Africans to earn university degrees in the U.S., degrees that they could not have earned here in their own country.

USAID’s program has grown since those early days.  In 1994 USAID began supporting the efforts of the nascent open democracy.  We now provide economic development assistance close to $100 million annually in six areas: democracy and governance, HIV/AIDS and health, economic analysis capacity, housing, urban development, private sector development and, of course, education.   Educating this country’s youngest citizens is vital to South Africa’s future economic growth and lasting democracy.

Helping South Africans cope positively with HIV and AIDS is one of the United States’ top priorities.  In 2002 President Bush committed the United States Government to providing $15 billion to combat HIV and AIDS.  Called, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, this initiative has identified 15 countries in the world, 12 of them in Africa, including South Africa.  In 2004 South Africa received $78.5 million in funding the Emergency Plan.  These resources are being used for prevention, treatment, care and support activities throughout the country working through a network of 50 partners including the South African Government. 

The United States has supported activities in South Africa addressing HIV/AIDS for more than 10 years through a variety of funding.  Kami was created two years ago through collaboration between USAID’s education program, Sesame Workshop and the South African Department of Education.  Creating Kami as the world’s first HIV positive Muppet is one of the most ingenious developments and a model for the rest of the world.  USAID is pleased to have been part of the challenging birthing process for Kami as she teaches children tolerance and acceptance for people living with HIV and AIDS. 

And now, in the latest development, South Africa’s most popular AIDS orphan, 5 year old Kami, will begin urging the country’s grown-ups to talk to children about HIV/AIDS.  Joined by celebrity guests, Kami will also help teach adults how to communicate with kids about HIV through the “talk to me” campaign leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1st.     

Talk-to-me takes HIV/AIDS education for children and educators an important step further to break the undesirable culture of silence at home, in schools and in churches.  Silence is the opposite of communication and hinders attempts to help children learn how to prevent new infections and deal with people who have AIDS.

A program such as Talk-to-me seeks to motivate adults with ideas of how to talk openly and honestly with children.  This innovative concept deserves full support from us all.  It is clear from research that families, parents, caregivers and teachers feel isolated and are uncomfortable talking about sexual issues with children.  They expect “somebody else” to talk to youngsters about these “awkward” topics.  USAID supports Talk to me because it gives tangible knowledge, understanding and skills that all of us CAN and need to talk to children about HIV and AIDS.

I am happy to hear people emphasizing the fact that HIV and AIDS are chronic diseases, just like any other chronic diseases.  With proper medication, appropriate life style and a positive attitude, people living with HIV and AIDS can live long and productive lives.  I have a friend in the United States who has been living with this disease for more than 20 years and we all know how treatments can prolong life and improve the quality of life.  The U.S. Government has increased that treatment and should be a relief to people living with AIDS.

The basis for the success of Takalani Sesame has been a dynamic and collaborative effort involving many partners who specialize in children’s issues.  I would like to personally acknowledge the contributions of the research and production teams, South African learners, educators, curriculum specialists and early childhood development experts who have been working together as a unit to develop and maintain a children’s series that is not only entertaining, but is also educational.

What makes Takalani Sesame even more successful is that it is broadcast through television and radio in children’s own home languages.  As a result, the program reflects the cultural, social and educational values of South African families.

USAID has had a proud relationship with Takalani Sesame. In the past, USAID provided critical support needed to develop and launch Takalani and the international, award-winning HIV positive Muppet, Kami.  We all know that giving birth is not easy. We also know that letting our children grow up and stand on their own is even more difficult. But, we are pleased to say Takalani has now “grown up” and is supported by the public and private sector.  

USAID started the process 6 years ago by funding the training of South Africans who now research, write and produce Takalani.  The Department of Education, Sanlam, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), and other private South Africans now provide most of the needed financial and related support to keep broadcasting the series.  Takalani Sesame is a proudly South African product and an example worldwide.  Kami, for example, has certainly been adopted by the world by being appointed UNICEF’s global champion for children last year.

South Africa’s Takalani Sesame is probably the most ambitious adaptation that Sesame Workshop has undertaken.  By combining television, radio, and community outreach, we have created a dynamic model that will reach South African children wherever they are and with the most appropriate learning tools.

The community outreach component was the first to be launched by Sesame Workshop in such a comprehensive way.   It makes sure that children who can’t access TV because they don’t have electricity or for any other reason can still benefit from progressive preschool education.

We are confident that continued collaboration among the key players and partners, including the Department of Education, Sanlam, SABC, Sesame Workshop and others, will take Takalani Sesame to even higher levels.  The interactive learning experiences that make education materials come alive are now helping children and their families deal constructively with AIDS by talking about HIV together for perhaps the first time in their lives.  We wish you continued success and look forward to the new show.

Thank you.