Sepideh Moafi Instagram – I had the honor of delivering a speech at the 2023 Global @rescueorg Dinner Gala earlier this month & hosting a discussion with Seda Akpinar Manla Naasan, Early Childhood Development Coordinator for IRC’s Iraq Country Program & Sherrie Westin, President of the Sesame Workshop. We spoke of the many innovative ways the IRC brings early childhood education to millions of displaced children around the world (& had a surprise visit from Basma, the muppet!) As an ambassador to the IRC, I’ve been able to witness the Early Childhood Development program firsthand & see how the Ahlan Simsim program (“Welcome Sesame” in Arabic) provides playful learning & early development support to young children across the SWANA region affected by conflict & crisis. I‘m blown away by their incredible work, & though it feels like we are sinking into more devastation & darkness, with increasing conflicts & crises proliferating across Gaza, Sudan, Congo, Haiti, Afghanistan, etc., the people & the work of IRC fills me with immense hope. This #GivingTuesday, join me in supporting @rescueorg & all of the ways they help people affected by humanitarian crises survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Link in bio for ways you can join me in making #RefugeesWelcome this #GivingTuesday. 💛