**The BBC's new educational program, Dars, seeks to provide continued learning opportunities for children in war-torn areas like Gaza and Sudan, where their access to education has been severely disrupted.**
**BBC Launches Educational Programme for Children in Conflict Zones**
**BBC Launches Educational Programme for Children in Conflict Zones**
**New Initiative Aims to Support Learning for Millions of Children Affected by War**
In a poignant reflection of the struggles faced by children in conflict zones, Tareq, a 10-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, expresses a sense of profound loss after witnessing his school reduced to ruins. “When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me,” he recounts during an interview with the BBC. Despite the despair, Tareq has not abandoned his education. “I study at home, making sure not to waste a moment so when I do go back to school, I will be ready,” he affirms.
Similarly, Safaa, a 14-year-old girl from Sudan, dreams of becoming a heart surgeon amid her country's civil war. “Bodies were scattered everywhere, which deeply moved me and made me want to save lives instead of seeing them being lost,” she reflects, underlining how war has scarred her youth and aspirations.
According to UNICEF, around 30 million children are currently out of school in the Middle East and North Africa, with Sudan facing the largest crisis where over 16.5 million children are affected. In Gaza alone, a staggering 600,000 school-aged children have seen their education interrupted due to ongoing hostilities, as reported by Saleem Oweis of UNICEF.
In Sudan, education has been severely impacted by nearly two years of civil conflict between the army and paramilitary groups. Sudan's Minister of Education, Ahmed Khalifa, highlights the profound damage to educational infrastructure, stating that 60% to 70% of the country's 15,000 public schools have been destroyed, crippling an already strained system.
To combat this alarming trend, the BBC World Service has launched an Arabic edition of its acclaimed educational program, Dars, designed to engage children aged 11 to 16 in vital subjects such as mathematics, technology, climate change, and mental health. The program aims to provide a "learning lifeline" for those unable to attend traditional classes, and it features the inspiring stories of resilient children like Tareq and Safaa.
Originally introduced in Afghanistan in 2023, Dars signifies the BBC's commitment to educational outreach in crisis zones. The first episode of the new series aired on February 9, with weekly broadcasts scheduled on BBC News Arabic TV and a presence on digital and radio platforms, ensuring that educational resources reach those in need, even amidst conflict.
