Sesame Workshop SA receives FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund grant for soccer-inspired Bond Through Play programme
Sesame Workshop International South Africa has received a grant from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative to expand access to quality education and soccer for children in more than 200 communities around the world. Sesame Workshop International South Africa is set to invest the grant in its next Bond Through Play Initiative, which has the potential to reach over 800 children.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Through this generous grant, we will expand our successful Bond Through Play Initiative, building on our established Play to Learn methodology, to combine playful learning, educator support, caregiver engagement and educational media, to improve school readiness and positive developmental outcomes for children in underserved communities,” says Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director Education and Programs at Sesame Workshop International, South Africa.
The Bond Through Play Initiative aligns closely with the priorities of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which uses sport and soccer to strengthen learning in underserved communities through inclusive, community-driven education. “Our programme does not position sports competitively, but as a developmental learning tool that helps children learn through structured play, movement and social interaction,” adds Payne.
This initiative has already delivered measurable results. Through an award-winning digital campaign and community-based soccer activations, the initiative has encouraged fathers and male caregivers to play a more active role in children’s learning and development. It’s 2024 social media campaign exceeded targets by generating 1.94 million YouTube video views and 16.4 million impressions, reaching audiences across South Africa. The campaign’s impact was recognised internationally with a People’s Voice Webby Award in 2025 and a Bookmark Award for its influencer campaign.
Building on this momentum, in 2026 Bond Through Play extended beyond digital platforms into community sport and family engagement activities. Through soccer-based activations and sports challenges, the initiative directly engaged 62 parents and caregivers, 45 children, and more than 50 soccer players, creating opportunities for families to connect through play, while reinforcing positive parenting, teamwork and healthy lifestyles. These activities contributed to Sesame Workshop South Africa’s broader efforts to use sport as a catalyst for learning, community participation and stronger family relationships.
Thabo Shange, Impact Program Manager at Sesame Workshop International South Africa explains that the programme uses soccer and other sports and movement-based play as an accessible and engaging platform, to support children aged between three and eight. “We’re energised by the opportunity to bring this next chapter to life. It will place a deliberate focus on increasing the participation of young girls, championing inclusive play, and ensuring children with disabilities and diverse learning needs can learn, play and thrive alongside their peers.”
The newest Bond Through Play Initiative, funded by the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, is set to kick-off in the fourth quarter of 2026, with Takalani Sesame content, character and components structured around play-based teacher training, parent and caregiver workshops, Community Play Festivals and social-emotional learning.
FIFA and Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, launched the Fund with the goal of mobilising USD $100 million to expand access and improve children’s education. To date, the Fund has raised over USD $30 million, with contributions from philanthropies, major brands and corporations, individual donors, and proceeds from ticket sales to major music and sporting events. Global Citizen’s impact is powered by an international community of everyday advocates who take action and amplified by campaigns that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the private sector.
