Sesame Street introduces new girl Muppet Zari to Afghan TV series

Sesame Street's new Afghan character, a six-year-old girl called Zari (AP)

Sesame Street has hailed its first Afghan Muppet named Zari as a "powerful role model".

Zari, whose name means "shimmering", is described as "a curious and eager six-year-old girl".

She will make her debut in season five of Baghch-e-Simsim (Sesame Garden), the local co-production of Sesame Street which is broadcast on the Moby Group's Tolo TV and Lemar TV.

The 26 new 25-minute episodes will still feature locally produced, live action films about traditions, culture, and other aspects of Afghanistan's urban and rural life.

Zari will be seen in locally produced segments focusing on girls' empowerment, national identity, physical health and social and emotional well-being.

The Muppet will speak directly to viewers, interact with children in person, and interview a variety of Afghan professionals.

One feature will see Zari interview a doctor during her check-up. She will talk to her paediatrician, Dr Khadija, about her health, hear what her own heart sounds like and learn what it takes to become a doctor.

Segments from other Sesame co-productions, adapted and dubbed into Dari and Pashto, will continue to introduce children to Muppet friends from series in Egypt, Bangladesh, Mexico and Russia.

Baghch-e-Simsim is one of the most popular children's television shows in Afghanistan.