Vancouver-based Big Bad Boo Studios has won a prestigious World Innovation Summit for Education award for its multi-platform 1001 Nights Life Skills and Citizenship Education program, anchored on its popular animated adaptation of the tales of Shahrzad. The program teaches civic education, human rights and the rule of law through character-driven animated adventures and a companion curriculum. In partnership with UNICEF, the program has been used to teach life skills and provide psychosocial support to refugee children.

“We incredibly thankful to the WISE committee as well as our partners, UNICEF and The Education and Diversity Foundation, for helping us provide the program to over 300,000 children in need. The impact has been tremendous and we hope to do more,” said Aly Jetha, co-founder of Big Bad Boo Studios.

The WISE Awards are an annual event recognizing and promoting projects from aroudn the world that address global educational challenges. Fifteen ministries of education are using the curriculum across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. 1001 Nights was picked from a pool of 413 projects, and evaluated according to strict criteria — projects under WISE Award consideration must be successful, innovative education initiatives which have demonstrated a transformative impact on individuals, communities and society.

Based on the classic folktales from the Islamic Golden Age, the award-winning 1001 Nights animated series airs around the world in over 80 countries and in 15 languages. The brand also includes comic books and licensing and merchandising programs in several territories. The show has won multiple industry honors, including a Kids First Choice Award and five Leo Awards.

Six projects from five countries have received 2018 WISE Awards. The winners will be celebrated at the WISE@NY Forum on September 22.

Big Bad Boo Studios’ other properties include 16 Hudson, Judge Jhodi, and upcoming storybook adaptation The Bravest Knight, as well as the multilingual kids’ platform Oznoz. Learn more at www.bigbadboo.com.

1001 Nights Citizenship and Education Program