In refugee camps everywhere, there is no shortage of curious young minds: more than half of the world's displaced population are children. But the barriers to receiving a quality early education are huge.There are 250 million children whose developmental potential is at risk around the world. The global displacement crisis is bigger than ever before, and there are about 12 million children under eight who are displaced from their homes and in need of support.

In response to the growing Syrian refugee crisis, the IRC (International Refugee Committee), together with Sesame Workshop have teamed up in a new initiative to provide quality education to young children displaced by conflict and persecution.Along with seven other semifinalists, the team is in the running for a $100 million grant by the MacArthur Foundation's "100&Change" global competition.

The fact that some 65 million people are displaced, half of whom are children, we knew this was an issue where we had to step up.Sherrie Westin, an Executive Vice-President of Global Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop says part of what makes their education model a success is their ability to address specific needs of children, using relatable characters that speak a child's language and understand their needs.To be in that environment, to have a furry little muppet like Elmo, or our Jordanian Muppet Tonton, and see those children light up — to see them laughing and playing and engaging — that gives you hope. And we would reach those children with that kind of joy of learning, but with proven educational content, that honestly can change their lives.

The IRC says its education-minded approach and existing infrastructure, combined with Sesame Workshop's engaging content, makes for a complementary partnership. According to both organizations, their contents outreach efforts are directed not only to children but adopt parents as well.The centerpiece of any early childhood development program for us will focus on parents: supporting parents, meeting them where they are, knowing that they have to work long hours, that they might face medical challenges, and often times are struggling themselves. And so, to provide them support and services so that they can be great parents for their children is essential.Whether their lesson is in classrooms or via smartphones in tents, the IRC and Sesame's message to families everywhere remains unchanged: inclusion and acceptance will help children to grow smarter and kinder.