Working with an international non-profit organisation, the UN ChildrenÂ’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched ethnic Albanian and a Serbian editions of the show's story and picture books for kindergarten pupils, their parents and teachers in Pristina and Mitrovica, "bringing a message of diversity and understanding."
With separate Serb and Albanian editions.
The local editions of the Sesame Street publications are being distributed free of charge by UNICEF and the Sesame Workshop non-governmental organisation. A local edition of the US TV programme has already been on the air for some time in Kosovo.
The breakaway 90 percent ethnic Albanian province, Kosovo, has been run by the UN since 1999 when NATO airstrikes drove out Yugslav troops amid ethnic fighting and gross human rights abuses.
Most ethic Albanians want independence from Serbia - an outcome backed by many world powers but opposed by Serbs and Serbia's key ally Russia.
“In a region rich with diversity, but challenged by conflict, our mission is to reach as many children as possible with meaningful content,” said Anita Pasha, content director for the ethnic Albanian editions of the Sesame Street books, 'Rruga Sesam'.
“Like the Rruga Sesam television series, the outreach materials are designed to better prepare children for school and encourage them to develop a lifelong love of learning.”
Jelena Ravnjak, content director of the Serbian version of the books, 'Ulica Sezam', was also enthusiastic.
"The beauty of the Muppet characters resides in the fact that they’re multi-coloured, tall and short, wide and skinny, furry and feathered, and incredibly different from one another, yet all the same – learning to live and laugh together."
Diversity, eh? Then where in the hell is Miss Piggy? Are you telling me that it isn't easy to be porcine in Greater Albania?
"We are thrilled to extend their reach from the television directly into the classrooms and homes,” she said.
Feel the Muppet love. Sense the sound of NGO cash being slushed.
All the materials will be distributed free of charge to preschools, family healthcare centres and womenÂ’s literacy centres.