Every October, World Sight Day reminds the world to protect vision and care for those who see differently. In South Africa, the educational television show Takalani Sesame has turned that message into something even brighter, teaching children that inclusion isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Through characters who speak different languages, come from different cultures, and live with different abilities, Takalani Sesame is showing millions of young viewers that everyone belongs.

Over the years, this initiative has impacted countless lives. Today, we speak to Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop International South Africa, to reflect on this year’s World Sight Day and discuss why it is so important that children’s programmes like Takalani Sesame reflect the diversity and abilities of children across the African continent.

In marking Takalani’s 25th anniversary, Dr Nwaneri visited one of the show’s first visually impaired cast members, Maymoona Chouglay. Let’s now take a listen to the episode in which Maymoona appeared.