BBC Launches Educational Programme for Children Affected by War

In response to war's impact on education, the BBC's "Dars" program supports children like Tareq from Gaza and Safaa from Sudan, who share their stories of resilience as they continue to learn despite life in turmoil.

The BBC World Service has recently launched an Arabic edition of its acclaimed educational program known as Dars, or Lesson, targeting children living in war-torn regions. This initiative emerges in an alarming context; according to UNICEF, around 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are currently out of school, with over 16.5 million of them from Sudan alone.

Tareq, a 10-year-old boy from Gaza, expresses his profound sadness, sharing, "When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me. I long for it to return to what it once was." Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his learning journey, studying from home to ensure he is prepared for the day he can return to school. Similarly, Safaa, a 14-year-old girl from Sudan, holds on to her dream of becoming a heart surgeon despite the traumatic memories of a civil war that has devastated her country.

Saleem Oweis, a spokesperson for UNICEF, highlighted a disturbing trend in which conflicts and crises are severely affecting children's education and learning. In Gaza, it is estimated that more than 600,000 school-aged children have not received education this past year.

The situation is just as dire in Sudan, where nearly two years after conflict erupted between military factions, millions of displaced children rely on local initiatives for educational opportunities. Ahmed Khalifa, Sudan's education minister, laments the destruction in his country: "No state was spared. Between 60% and 70% of our approximately 15,000 public schools have suffered major damage."

Originally rolled out in 2023 for children in Afghanistan who were barred from schooling, the Dars program is described by the United Nations as a "learning lifeline." The Arabic edition is tailored for children aged 11 to 16, providing weekly lessons on subjects such as mathematics, technology, climate, and mental health.

In addition, the program includes powerful stories from children like Tareq and Safaa, showcasing their resilience and determination to continue learning despite the enormity of their circumstances. The first episode of Dars aired on Sunday, February 9, and new episodes are broadcast weekly on BBC News Arabic TV and various digital platforms.