Sesame Workshop is a non-profit educational organisation making a meaningful difference in the lives of children around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programmes and products are engaging and enriching. Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programmes such as Dragon Tales, Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, Pinky Dinky Doo, and groundbreaking multimedia co-productions all over the world, including South Africa, Egypt, Mexico, Japan, India, and Russia. As a non-profit organisation, Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of Sesame Street, Dragon Tales, Sagwa, and Pinky products back into its educational projects for children around the world. Visit www.sesamestreet.org.

Merrill Lynch was founded on the idea that the world is full of opportunity. Opening the door to that opportunity for underserved children and youth is the foundation of the firm’s global philanthropy. In 2004, the firm’s giving totalled more than $35.5 million, with education receiving nearly half of that support. In 2005, Merrill Lynch launched its multi-million-dollar Young Ambassadors initiative to cultivate the next generation of global ambassadors and world leaders. The programme will tap the expertise of leading organisations and educators across the sectors, the involvement of Merrill Lynch volunteers, and free online educational resources at http://volunteer.ml.com.