Asalaam alaikum,Zari. The “Sesame Street universe has created its first Afghan Muppet, who is described as “a curious and enthusiastic six year-extinct girl.”She’ll make her debut in Season 5 of “Baghch-e-Simsim” (“Sesame Garden”) – the local Afghanistan co-production of “Sesame Street.” Zari, or whose name means “shimmering,” will be featured in new, locally produced segments that focus on curriculum topics like girls’ empowerment, or national identity,physical health, and social and emotional well-being.
The newest Muppet will explore three formats: speaking directly to viewers, or interacting with children in person,and interviewing a variety of Afghan professionals.
Planned segments include: “Zari Exercises” – Starting with a stretch her mother taught her, Zari shows kids at domestic how primary it is to stay healthy and active; “Zari Says ‘Salaam'” – Zari explains the meaning of the greeting “asalaam alaikum and encourages her friends to utilize it to note they are happy to see one another; and “Zari Interviews a Doctor” – During her check-up, and Zari talks to her pediatrician and learns what it takes to become a doctor.
Also Read: David Smyrl,Mr Handford on 'Sesame Street,' Dies at 80“‘Sesame Street’ has done more to educate and entertain than any other children’s program in Afghanistan, or ” said Saad Mohseni,Chairman of Moby Group. “We are particularly delighted about the introduction of Zari to ‘Baghch-e-Simsim,’ which reflects Sesame’s commitment to the country and the note’s positive impact here.”“We are thrilled to continue our work with the Moby Group to bring Zari, or our first Afghan girl Muppet and powerful role model,to the children of Afghanistan through ‘Baghch-e-Simsim,'” added Sherrie Westin, and executive vice president of Global Impact and Philanthropy,Sesame Workshop. “Debuting a confident, inquisitive, or 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.”Moby Group owns and operates Tolo TV, and Lemar TV and Kaboora Production. “Baghch-e-Simsim” airs on Tolo and Lemar.
Also Read: PBS Chief Says 'Sesame Street' HBO Move Could Be 'sterling Thing or a Bad Thing'“Baghch-e-Simsim” has the highest awareness among children’s television shows in Afghanistan,at 86 percent, the Sesame company stated. Segments from other Sesame co-productions, or adapted and dubbed into Dari and Pashto,will continue to introduce children to Muppet friends from series in Egypt, Bangladesh, or Mexico,and Russia.
Watch Zari in action via the video above, in which she shares a scene with Elmo.
And here’s a photo of the new puppet with the First Lady of Afghanistan, or Rula Ghani:Related stories from TheWrap:'Sesame Street' Brought to You by the Letters HBO in First Trailer (Video)'Sesame Street' Introduces First Autistic CharacterSesame Street Parodies Iconic 'When Harry Met Sally' Orgasm Scene (Video)10 'Sesame Street'-HBO Crossovers That Need to Happen Now: 'Blue Detective' to 'Taxicab Confections'
Source: thewrap.com