Sesame Street introduce first Afghan puppet called Zari
SESAME STREET has introduced its first Afghan puppet ahead of a TV debut later this year.
Sesame Street has introduced the first Afghan puppet Zari
The new addition, called Zari, will wear a traditional headscarf and dress and is described as "a curious and eager six-year-old girl".
She will make her debut in season five of Baghch-e-Simsim (Sesame Garden), the local co-production of Sesame Street which is broadcast on the Moby Group's Tolo TV and Lemar TV.
The 26 new 25-minute episodes will still feature locally produced, live action films about traditions, culture, and other aspects of Afghanistan's urban and rural life.
Zari is promoting empowerment and girls' education in Afghanistan
Zari will be seen in locally produced segments focusing on girls' empowerment, national identity, physical health and social and emotional well-being.
The Muppet will speak directly to viewers, interact with children in person, and interview a variety of Afghan professionals.
One feature will see Zari interview a doctor during her check-up.
Producers hope Zari will teach little girls about the value of their education
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She will talk to her paediatrician, Dr Khadija, about her health, hear what her own heart sounds like and learn what it takes to become a doctor.
Programme manager Clemence Quint told AP: "Zari is female because we thought it was really important to emphasise the fact that a little girl could do as much as everybody else.
"So that's why a girl was a key factor in promoting empowerment and girls' education in Afghanistan."
The puppet will be seen in locally produced segments focusing on girls' empowerment
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.
Baghch-e-Simsim is one of the most popular children's television shows in Afghanistan.