Hikayat Simsim Spreading Road Safety Awareness
“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand” Said Khalil Gibran. And Hikayat Simsim, through its beloved local characters, involves children and families in the importance of education and the love for lifelong learning by making them a part of their educational process so they can become strong adults; all through fun media entertainment.
Hikayat Simsim which reaches out to children throughout Jordan is funded by The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and supported by a partnership with Bank of Jordan and is the co-production between Jordan Pioneers Multimedia Productions and the international non-for-profit Sesame Workshop organization; who have come together with GRSP to reach more children with road safety messages.
Road Safety is a one of Hikayat Simsim´s key educational goals. Hikayat Simsim team knows the importance of creating Road Safety awareness, having conducted a formative research study in 2010 to conclude a Road Safety Statement of Educational Objectives for the project so as to fully meet the needs in Jordan.
Road Safety is reflected in all of the projects components, including the TV series, outreach materials, events and in its new interactive webpage launched on May 30th 2012, consisting of twenty first century gaming technology for fun learning. The website is available currently in Arabic, with plans to launch the English version soon. It features quality content and educational messages aiming to teach tomorrow’s drivers the best road safety practices. The webpage not only targets children but also parents and teachers. For that purpose, research studies and findings, games and video segments and other tools are available online for download.
In addition to road safety, Hikayat Simsim website sheds light on other topic such as literacy, health, hygiene, respect and understanding, presented in a unique way for children of the targeted age.
Road Safety on stage with Hikayat Simsim
In parallel to its website, Hikayat Simsim continues its other activities. On April 4th 2012 the beloved Tonton, Juljul and Elmo performed for 160 children at the Amman Baccalaureate School with the support of Bank of Jordan. The event was placed under the road safety theme. Children happily sang along to melodies like “Hold my Hand”. It was an opportunity for them to learn the importance of looking both ways before crossing, keeping safe when playing near a road, recognizing signs and stoplight colors, in addition to other road safely rules through fun and entertainment.
To know more about Hikayat Simsim
You can visit their website www.hikayatsimsim.com follow them on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube or watch their TV programme five days a week at 3:30pm on Jordanian National Television (JTV) and Roya TV.
