Sesame Workshop Reveals First Afghan Muppet

NEW YORK/KABUL: Sesame Workshop is introducing Zari, the first Afghan Muppet, in the fifth season of Baghch-e-Simsim, the local co-production of Sesame Street.

Zari, a 6-year-old female character, will appear in new, locally produced segments that focus on such topics as girls’ empowerment, national identity, physical health and social and emotional wellbeing. She will be featured in three formats: speaking directly to viewers, interacting with children in person and interviewing various Afghan professionals. The fifth season of Baghch-e-Simsim currently airs in Afghanistan on Tolo TV on Thursdays and Fridays at 4 p.m., and on Lemar TV on the same days at 4:30 p.m.

“Sesame Street has done more to educate and entertain than any other children’s program in Afghanistan,” said Saad Mohseni, the chairman of Moby Group, which owns and operates Tolo TV and Lemar TV. “We are especially delighted about the introduction of Zari to Baghch-e-Simsim, which reflects Sesame’s commitment to the country and the show’s positive impact here.”

“We are thrilled to continue our work with the Moby Group to bring Zari, our first Afghan girl Muppet and powerful role model, to the children of Afghanistan through Baghch-e-Simsim,” added Sherrie Westin, the executive VP of global impact and philanthropy at Sesame Workshop. “Debuting a confident, inquisitive, and sweet Afghan girl character is a perfect opportunity to engage both boys and girls with lessons supporting girls’ empowerment and diversity appreciation as we aim to help all children in Afghanistan grow smarter, stronger and kinder.”