In a world where education is often disrupted by conflict, the BBC has stepped in with a new Arabic educational series called Dars, launched to support children affected by war, including Tareq, a 10-year-old boy from Gaza, and Safaa, a 14-year-old girl from Sudan. Both have been deeply impacted by the devastation surrounding their schools and communities. "When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me," Tareq shares, conveying the loss felt by many children whose educational facilities have been destroyed.
Despite the challenges, Tareq remains committed to his education, engaging in self-study at home to prepare for a return to formal schooling. Similarly, Safaa, who aspires to be a heart surgeon, holds tight to her dreams despite traumatic memories from Sudan’s civil war. "I'm still holding on to hope," she expresses, reflecting a spirit of resilience amidst chaos.
According to UNICEF, approximately 30 million children are unable to attend school in the Middle East and North Africa, with 16.5 million affected in Sudan alone due to the ongoing civil war between military factions. The BBC’s initiative was sparked by the urgent need to provide alternative learning opportunities to children who have been displaced or deprived of formal education.
Saleem Oweis from UNICEF emphasizes the grim reality, highlighting that over 600,000 children in Gaza have missed out on education due to rampant conflict. In Sudan, the ongoing turmoil has left millions residing in refugee camps where consistent educational access remains fragmented and reliant on community-led efforts.
Sudan's education minister, Ahmed Khalifa, noted the extensive destruction of the country’s educational infrastructure, with an alarming 60% to 70% of public schools reported as unfit for use.
The Dars program, which first launched in Afghanistan in 2023, aims to serve youngsters between ages 11 and 16, offering weekly lessons on subjects such as mathematics, technology, climate awareness, and mental health. Each episode presents inspirational stories of children like Tareq and Safaa, who persist in their educational ambitions despite facing dire circumstances.
The inaugural episode aired on February 9, with subsequent episodes scheduled weekly, ensuring ongoing support and resources for young learners across the region. The series will be available on multiple platforms, including BBC News Arabic TV and YouTube, in an effort to reach as many children as possible, rekindling hope for a better future through education.
Despite the challenges, Tareq remains committed to his education, engaging in self-study at home to prepare for a return to formal schooling. Similarly, Safaa, who aspires to be a heart surgeon, holds tight to her dreams despite traumatic memories from Sudan’s civil war. "I'm still holding on to hope," she expresses, reflecting a spirit of resilience amidst chaos.
According to UNICEF, approximately 30 million children are unable to attend school in the Middle East and North Africa, with 16.5 million affected in Sudan alone due to the ongoing civil war between military factions. The BBC’s initiative was sparked by the urgent need to provide alternative learning opportunities to children who have been displaced or deprived of formal education.
Saleem Oweis from UNICEF emphasizes the grim reality, highlighting that over 600,000 children in Gaza have missed out on education due to rampant conflict. In Sudan, the ongoing turmoil has left millions residing in refugee camps where consistent educational access remains fragmented and reliant on community-led efforts.
Sudan's education minister, Ahmed Khalifa, noted the extensive destruction of the country’s educational infrastructure, with an alarming 60% to 70% of public schools reported as unfit for use.
The Dars program, which first launched in Afghanistan in 2023, aims to serve youngsters between ages 11 and 16, offering weekly lessons on subjects such as mathematics, technology, climate awareness, and mental health. Each episode presents inspirational stories of children like Tareq and Safaa, who persist in their educational ambitions despite facing dire circumstances.
The inaugural episode aired on February 9, with subsequent episodes scheduled weekly, ensuring ongoing support and resources for young learners across the region. The series will be available on multiple platforms, including BBC News Arabic TV and YouTube, in an effort to reach as many children as possible, rekindling hope for a better future through education.
