The 2008 "Next Generation Prize" was bestowed upon Whiz Kids Workshop, the creators of "Tsehai Loves Learning."  According to Prix Jeunesse, the "Next Generation Prize" is awarded to "a production team that is inspirational, innovative and inspired by a great idea that was produced under difficult circumstances."  The intention of the award is to promote talent that—with financial support, mentoring and consultation—promises to come up with great results in the future.

As a result of the award, Whiz Kids Workshop will have an opportunity to work with the prize's sponsors which include the BBC, Disney Germany, Nickelodeon International, the Australian Children's Television Foundation, KRO (Dutch Public Broadcasting) and ZDF (German Television Network).  The sponsors will provide assistance with development, technical, and creative advice throughout production of their next project.

"The jury was hugely impressed by the program's ability to talk to children, to be creative as well as communicative, on an extremely limited budget," said Prix Jeunesse in a statement.  "Finally, we all felt that 'Tsehai Loves Learning' was inspired by a great idea born out of the needs of its audience - which after all is the basis of all great TV.  The jury is delighted to extend this prize to Whiz Kids Workshop and to as­sist the team as they consider their next project."

"Tsehai Loves Learning," began broadcasting on Ethiopian Television in September 2006.  "For many of Ethiopia's children, it is the closest thing to early childhood education they have ever received," Shane Etzenhouser the show's other co-founder said. "Tsehai Loves Learning" aims to promote children's development—academically, socially, and physically.  The prize winning "Tsinat" was one of the most popular episodes.  "Tsinat" is unique in that it teaches children how to help their friends cope with the death of a parent.  The episode also included messages for adults on how to support orphans and children impacted by HIV and AIDS.  "Tsinat" was produced in cooperation with Save the Children USA.

According to Margaret Schuler, Save the Children USA Ethiopia Country Director, "On behalf of Save the Children, and with the financial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we congratulate Whiz Kids Workshop.  We are very proud to be affiliated with "Tsehai Loves Learning," and in particular the "Tsinat" episode which we know affected thousands and thousands of children in Ethiopia." 

One young man, Dagmawi, who lost both his parents by the age of 8, had this to say after watching the show; "The show wasn't just good for kids but for anyone who has lost parents like my own age, older, or even elder people.  Most parents don't think kids can handle it because they think the kids will worry.  But the bad thing is that's worse, because kids don't know anything about death and think their parents will always be there.  People here don't tell you when your parents die and they try to hide it from you." 

Mr. Shane Etzenhouser, and program manager, Mrs. Redeit Alemu attended the festival with the support of UNESCO and the Goethe Institute.  "We were ecstatic to even be a finalist for these awards," said Etzenhouser.   "We are thrilled to prove that Africa can successfully provide high caliber, research-based, culturally relevant educational material for children with limited resources.  It's a proud moment for all of Ethiopia and for Africa." said Alemu.

Whiz Kids Workshop is a local production company that focuses on serving Ethiopia through educational media.