The new educational initiative has an objective to achieve measurable educational gains for children in the early school years. To that end, the organizations will collaborate and convene a content seminar in December, enlisting regional experts and institutions to research and design a program curriculum that reflects children's learning needs and values. Broad topics include the richness and diversity in Arabic culture and heritage, school readiness, healthy lifestyles and the importance of educating girls. “Iftah Ya Simsim” content may be featured on television, books and outreach materials. __