A workshop designed to share best practices in facilitating an environment in which children can be and feel accepted in classrooms and at home was staged by Sandals Foundation and Sesame Workshop in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The foundation and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit behind the popular Sesame Street programme, jointly led two sessions during the Early Childhood Commission’s Annual Professional Development Institute Workshop held May 20-24, 2024 in Kingston.

Approximately 2,000 educators and parents from both private and public schools participated in the event, a news release from Sandals Foundation stated, adding that a resource handbook created by Sesame Workshop served as a key takeaway for participants.

The handbook explores topics around emotional awareness, fostering social connections, and cultivating compassion. It provides practical tips, real-life examples, and effective methods to address the emotional challenges that children and students may encounter, thereby empowering educators and caregivers to provide meaningful support.

Led by Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice-president of curriculum and content at Sesame Workshop, presentations focused on the theme ‘R is for Resilience: Sesame Street’s Commitment to Supporting Emotional Well-Being’.

Truglio shared valuable resources and demonstrated strategies for educators and parents to build young children’s emotional well-being skills.

“Empowering children with the tools to navigate challenges big and small from an early age lays the foundation for their lifelong emotional health and happiness,” she said.

According to Liz Kaiser, vice-president of brand development and partnerships at Unique Vacations Incorporated, the two-decade partnership between Sesame Workshop and Beaches Resorts has not only brought the laughter and learning of Sesame Street to its family resorts in the Caribbean, it has also extended the resort’s impact through social initiatives with Sesame Street in Caribbean communities through Sandals Foundation.

“By engaging with local communities in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos [Islands], we’re committed to creating joyful experiences and making a positive difference in the lives of children and families both within our resorts and beyond,” the news release quotes Kaiser.

A highlight of the event was the interactive session between Sesame Street characters Elmo and Abby Cadabby and 70 preschoolers, which reinforced the importance of emotional well-being through physical activity and play.

Sandals Foundation Executive Director Heidi Clarke was pleased with the event.

“Deep-rooted family values stand at the very core of the Beaches Resorts brand. The collaboration with the Sandals Foundation, Sesame Workshop, and the Early Childhood Commission epitomises that joint commitment to family and fostering the holistic development of children,” she said.

“Through our combined efforts over the years, building the capacity of educators and parents in critical areas such as healthy eating, literacy, road safety, disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and emotional well-being, we aim to empower children with the skills and resources they need to thrive. By leveraging the expertise and resources of Sesame Workshop, together, we are working towards creating a brighter and more resilient future for the children of the Caribbean,” Clarke added.