Sesame Street is saying ‘salaam’ to a new neighbour on the block. Muppet Zari is joining the children’s show in Afghanistan and she’s bringing with her a message of empowerment.
Zari, a purple muppet whose name means “shimmering,” made her debut over social media on Thursday. She will be joining Season 5 of Baghch-e-Simsim, the local Afghan co-production of the long-running children’s show.
She will be featured in new, locally produced segments that focus on topics such as girls’ empowerment, national identity and physical health, producers say.
Meet Zari, our new friend from Afghanistan! She's here to teach young kids about girls' empowerment! #BaghcheSimsim pic.twitter.com/itS9kNZieV
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) April 7, 2016
“With her help, we further our mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” says Sesame Street International Social Impact in an introductory video posted on YouTube.
We're excited to have Zari in the family! She's an incredible role model for kids around the world! #BaghcheSimsim pic.twitter.com/EMcRWiuwlh
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) April 7, 2016
To keep up with #BaghcheSimsim and Zari updates, subscribe to our NEW YouTube channel! https://t.co/Opwsu6c2je pic.twitter.com/kRwb4ULEti
— Sesame Workshop (@SesameWorkshop) April 7, 2016
The reaction online to Zari has been positive, with viewers praising Sesame Street’s efforts to be more inclusive and focus on cultural education.
@SesameWorkshop @ReignOfApril Good for you @sesamestreet for being inclusive in an otherwise narrow-minded society
— nubianbrotha (@nubianbrotha) April 7, 2016
Zari should do a world tour on that subject!! https://t.co/LFOK9iOdiO
— Brandi Owen (@Brandi_Owen) April 7, 2016
