What's Happening?
Dr. Lewis Bernstein, a retired executive from Sesame Workshop, is exploring the potential of a multigenerational mentoring program in Israel. The initiative, known as the Sesame 3G Mentoring program, aims to connect older adults, teenagers, and young
children through shared activities, using curated Sesame Street clips to foster resilience and community strength. Bernstein, who has a long history with Sesame Workshop, is on a fact-finding mission to assess the program's feasibility in Israel, a country currently facing social and security challenges. The program has already seen success in the United States, where it was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address loneliness and depression among youth and older adults.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the Sesame 3G Mentoring program in Israel could play a crucial role in bridging generational and cultural divides, promoting social cohesion in a nation experiencing deep national strain. By leveraging the educational and unifying power of Sesame Street, the program seeks to provide a sense of purpose and connection across different age groups. This initiative could serve as a model for other countries facing similar social challenges, highlighting the potential of media-driven educational programs to foster community resilience and understanding.
What's Next?
Dr. Bernstein is working to secure funding and partnerships to expand the program in the United States and potentially launch it in Israel. He is engaging with local NGOs and educational institutions to explore pilot projects. The program's expansion will depend on securing necessary approvals from Sesame Workshop for content use and adapting the model to fit the cultural context of Israel. Future plans may include initiatives to bridge divides between Jewish and Arab communities, although such efforts are currently considered preliminary.
