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Sesame Street workshop introduces Afghan sibling

Sesame Street team are doing their bit for gender equality, education and role models.

The Sesame Workshop has announced a new addition to its Afghan co-production, Baghch-e-Simsim (Sesame Garden), in the form of Zeerak.

Zeerak becomes a “friendly and curious younger brother” of 6-year-old girl named Zari, the first Afghan Muppet introduced last year. Designed to promote gender equity, he will show respect for girls and love for his big sister. As a young boy who aspires to go to school with his sister when he gets older, Zeerak hopes to become a strong role model for children in a country where over 60% of children – two thirds of them girls – are not able to complete school.

Zeerak, which means “smart” and “talented” in both Dari and Pashto, will be featured in segments that tackle topics including tolerance, respect, and gender equity. Donning glasses and regional clothing, Zeerak is an energetic and eager 4-year-old who is learning how to read and count and loves painting and playing games with Zari. Zari adores her little brother, and Zeerak, in turn, looks up to Zari as a role model.

In one segment called “Going to School,” Zeerak eagerly awaits Zari’s return from school and is excited to hear about her day. Zari explains that Zeerak will have the opportunity to go to school too someday, and that working hard in school will help him achieve his dreams. Zari encourages Zeerak to think about what he might become when he grows up, and offers to teach him a few lessons before he’s ready to go to school himself.

A January 2017 survey of over 1,500 parents and caregivers of children ages 3-7 across Afghanistan shows that Baghch-e-Simsim is having a positive impact and reaching more children and families than ever before.

Zari was the most mentioned character when participants were asked to name children’s TV characters, and she is beloved by both boys and girls, who together are vital in the effort to shift societal perceptions of girls and what they’re capable of.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Zeerak into the Baghch-e-Simsim family and continue our work to model the importance of girls’ education and bring critical early learning to millions of Afghan children,” said Sherrie Westin, Executive Vice President of Global Impact and Philanthropy, Sesame Workshop.

“We know children learn best when they can identify with characters, and research shows that Zari has been a powerful role model for boys and girls alike. The debut of Zeerak builds on the incredible impact we’ve seen Zari achieve over the past year.”

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