Kids

Manabu Movement foundation has announced this week that they have signed a collaborative agreement with Chicago-based Have Dreams, a leading worldwide resource center for programs and education for children, teens, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Manabu plans to develop animated and ancillary content with Have Dreams and combine their knowledge, experience, and resources to improve children’s wellbeing by creating fun, evidence-based, and emotionally-grounded content that any child can follow along and enjoy.

Manabu (which means “to learn” in Japanese) empowers children to reach their full potential and become advocates for a kinder, more inclusive, and sustainable future. “We are beyond excited to collaborate with Have Dreams, as we believe this unique collaboration can genuinely enrich the edutainment space,” Executive Director Tihana Smitran said of this agreement. “Our purpose is timeless and aims to empower children from all walks of life, bring more equality, and encourage collaboration and understanding among children. "

Resources for educators, care providers, and families is another major priority for Manabu Movement and will be working closely with Have Dreams to ensure that their IP has the greatest impact for children on the spectrum.

“Manabu opens an untapped avenue for children with ASD to join their peers in learning through edutainment.”, said Kris Johnsen, Executive Director of Have Dreama. “We are proud to collaborate on this creative venture and extend Have Dreams’ mission.”

Among its first priorities for Manabu is to enhance and expand Have Dreams’s ASD & the Library program which uses their structured teaching methodology to aid librarians in improving literacy for children with Autism.
Manabu seeks to make additional partnerships with NGOs, organizations, and brands committed to impactful children’s programming. In addition to executives in Switzerland, Germany, and Los Angeles,  the Foundation has a close working relationship with the Amulet Animation Studio in Zagreb, Croatia who have developed the Manabu characters.