Afghanistan’s Sesame Street Introduces New Muppet To Promote Girls’ Education

In the male-dominated society of Afghanistan, parents usually prioritize boys’ education more than the girls. But Afghanistan’s version of Sesame Street, called Baghch-e-Simsim (Sesame Garden) wants to change all that. After last year’s introduction of 6-year-old girl muppet Zari, this year they are introducing her brother, Zeerak.

According to a press release of Sesame Workshop, Zeerak will be a model for young boys to look up to and love their big sisters. As a 4-year old boy, Zeerak will also show how he aspires to be in school like his older sister.

Baghch-e-Simsim’s Zari And Zeerak

Both muppets, Zeerak and Zari are dressed in traditional Afghan wear. Zari as the big sister already goes to school. This alone is an important message to parents in a country where over 60 percent of children (2/3 of this are girls) do not have an education.

The name Zeerak means ‘smart’ and ‘talented’ in the local languages of Dari and Pashto. The younger brother plays the role of an eager and curious 4-year-old who adores his sister. Sesame Workshop describes one episode where Zeerak eagerly waits for his sister to come home from school and find out how her school day went. Through their interactions, viewers will see how education is such a valuable thing to have.

Making An Impact In Afghanistan

According to an AFP report, the show has a wide reach in the country. It is said to be the only children’s show on national television, with 80 percent of those with access to television watching the show, according to a recent survey. Another survey also reveals that Zari is the show’s favorite character, according to children and parents who watch the show.

Aside from television, however, the show also has audio programs on 44 radio stations around the country. They also organize small mobile theaters to visit kindergartens in the rural areas, to reach those who do not have access to broadcast services.

Through these efforts, Sesame Workshop and the TV station TOLO TV hope to “reach and teach greater audiences” about the value of education for both boys and girls.

We are proud to introduce our newest Muppet from Afghanistan, Zeerak! Learn more: https://t.co/RhPdMXJViK pic.twitter.com/elMF0yDsUY

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) June 29, 2017

Afghanistan's Sesame Street gets proud brother muppet, children's TV character who reveres his educated older sister https://t.co/GxgmhhJiGe pic.twitter.com/qmNvkd1nkR

— AFP news agency (@AFP) July 4, 2017