Sesame Workshop has unveiled its first Afghan Muppet, Zari, a curious and eager 6-year-old girl, who will make her debut in the fifth season of Baghch-e-Simsim, the local co-production of Sesame Street. Zari, whose name means “shimmering,” will be featured in locally produced segments that focus on topics such as female empowerment, national identity, physical health, and social and emotional wellbeing.
The 26 new 25-minute episodes will still feature locally produced, live-action films about traditions, culture, and other aspects of urban and rural life in Afghanistan. Segments from other Sesame co-productions, adapted and dubbed into Dari and Pashto, will continue to introduce children to Muppet friends from series in Egypt, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Russia.
Zari will be featured in three formats: speaking directly to viewers, interacting with children in person, and interviewing a variety of Afghan professionals. Segments include exercising, the explanation of a greeting, and an interview with a doctor.
