In response to the growing educational crisis caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, the BBC World Service has launched an Arabic edition of its educational program "Dars," seeking to reach children who have been deprived of their education due to war. The program targets children like Tareq, a 10-year-old boy from Gaza, and Safaa, a 14-year-old aspiring heart surgeon from Sudan. Although separated by approximately 2,000 kilometers, both children are united by their experiences of violence and loss.
"When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me," Tareq told the BBC. His determination to continue learning despite his circumstances stands out; he manages to study at home in anticipation of returning to school one day. Meanwhile, Safaa reflects on her traumatic experiences amidst Sudan's civil war: "I want to save lives instead of seeing them being lost," she states, revealing her aspiration to become a heart surgeon and her commitment to preserving hope during such difficult times.
According to the United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, 30 million children in the region are currently out of school, with more than half of those—16.5 million—based in Sudan alone. The situation in Gaza is similarly dire, with over 600,000 school-aged children missing out on crucial education opportunities, as highlighted by UNICEF spokesperson Saleem Oweis.
Sudan has been particularly hard hit by the civil war that has left many children in refugee camps without access to formal education. Sudan’s Education Minister, Ahmed Khalifa, describes the scale of destruction in the country, noting that 60% to 70% of public schools have been severely damaged, undermining any efforts for educational continuity.
"Dars" was first launched in 2023, primarily for children in Afghanistan, serving as a critical "learning lifeline" for those unable to attend school. Designed for children aged 11 to 16, the program includes lessons in various subjects such as mathematics, technology, climate issues, and mental health, all while sharing the inspiring stories of children like Tareq and Safaa, who maintain their resolve to learn despite facing immense challenges.
Episodes of Dars began airing on BBC News Arabic TV on February 9 and continue to be broadcast weekly, with additional availability on digital platforms, including BBC News Arabic's YouTube channel and radio services in conflict areas like Gaza and Syria.
