Summary: Generations of Americans grew up in front of Sesame Street, but it might surprise you to learn that children all around the world are reciting “Rubber Ducky,” too – in many different languages and alongside characters we’ve never seen. In this episode Professor Moland joins us to discuss just how Nigeria’s Sesame Square presents a unique case study for the soft power of educational programing abroad, including what the United States hopes to gain by funding the program (03:57) and how the history of Nigeria’s educational infrastructure influences viewership (06:02). Learn how Big Bird is breaking down barriers and unifying Nigerian identities (15:09) while actively combating extremism amid kidnappings by the terrorist organization Boko Haram (17:14). Also, find out how the revolutionary program is tackling country-specific sensitivities and challenges with local Muppets like the HIV-positive Kami (20:05). We ask Moland about the peace education policies she would implement to help combat conflict in our “Take Five” segment (08:31), and we learn to understand more about the nuances of identity, including how they help and hinder othering.
