In Kyrgyzstan, where only 12 percent of children have access to early childhood education, an animated TV series Keremet Koch (Magic Journey), supported by UNICEF, the Open Society Foundations, and the Aga Khan Foundation is watched by over 95 percent of young children and their families. Developed entirely within the country and with local talent, it is produced and aired daily throughout the country in 15-minute segments.
Since 2006, the characters Akylai and Aktan have become popular and well-loved children’s “heroes” in Kyrgyzstan. Through telling stories, solving problems, and being curious and exploratory, the characters support young children’s school readiness, social, emotional and physical development, hygiene and nutrition and creativity. Programs also address inclusiveness and ethnic tolerance.
The Magic Journey was the only animated series from Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (and one of only 15 globally) nominated for the prestigious Japan Prize in 2009 and 2010. It continues to be popular throughout Kyrgyzstan, and UNICEF has recently been approached by a Turkish satellite station to broadcast the series to its 200 million viewers in Turkey and Eastern Europe.
Ismailimail 