Takalani Sesame Presents “Talk to Me …”

In November 2004 Takalani Sesame presents “Talk to Me…” campaign was launched in South Africa. The campaign culminated on December 1st with a one-hour television special featuring three South African families dealing with issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. The purpose of this entire campaign, and of the television special in particular, is to present models for effective communication with which to speak to children of various age groups about the disease. It promotes communication between adults and children, increases knowledge about the disease as a means to decrease fear, discrimination, and stigma, and helps children cope and protect themselves against the disease. Takalani Sesame is an affiliate of Sesame Workshop in the U.S. and Kwasukasukela in South Africa. The partnership has created a multi-media educational program modeled on Sesame Street, presenting a rich educational program, primarily for pre-schoolers. Takalani Sesame Presents “Talk to Me…” was directed by Bronwyn Berry and Jahmil Qubeka. Berry and Naila Farouky served as producers, with Indra de Lanerolle as executive producer for Kwasukasukela and Robert Knezevic as project director for Sesame Workshop. Kyle Fulton served as editor and Felize Mpela as host. For addressing one of the most pressing issues in today’s South Africa with sensitivity and respect for its audience, a Peabody Award is presented to Takalani Sesame Presents “Talk to Me…”