BBC Initiates Educational Program for War-Affected Children in Gaza and Sudan

In response to the educational crisis facing millions of children affected by war, the BBC World Service has unveiled the Arabic edition of its educational program "Dars." This initiative seeks to provide critical learning opportunities for children from conflict zones such as Gaza and Sudan, where the impact of war has severely disrupted access to education.

"When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me," reflects Tareq, a 10-year-old boy from Gaza. Tareq shares his sorrow with the BBC, highlighting the plight of children in war zones who, like him, have witnessed their educational environments destroyed. Alongside him is Safaa, a 14-year-old girl from Sudan whose aspirations of becoming a heart surgeon are overshadowed by traumatic memories of her country's ongoing civil war. "I'm still holding on to hope," she expresses, revealing the resilience that many young individuals exhibit despite the chaos surrounding them.

The United Nations' children's agency, Unicef, reports that approximately 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are currently out of school, with over half—about 16.5 million—located in Sudan alone. The need for educational support is dire, particularly in Gaza, where Saleem Oweis from Unicef notes that over 600,000 children are unable to receive educational instruction due to the escalating conflict.

In Sudan, the situation is equally grim. Nearly two years into a civil war between the army and paramilitary factions, millions of children find themselves living in refugee camps, with education largely dependent on local initiatives. Sudan’s Education Minister, Ahmed Khalifa, emphasizes the extent of the destruction, indicating that 60% to 70% of the country's 15,000 public schools have suffered considerable damage.

To address these educational needs, the BBC has rolled out "Dars," tailored primarily for children aged 11 to 16. Originally introduced in Afghanistan for girls barred from attending school, this program is now providing lessons on a variety of subjects—ranging from mathematics to mental health—in Arabic. By airing weekly episodes on BBC News Arabic TV and making content available online, "Dars" aims to become a vital learning resource for children in conflict zones, offering hope and continuity in precarious circumstances.

New episodes of "Dars" commenced broadcasting on Sunday, February 9, with plans for continued outreach through multiple media platforms, ensuring that children like Tareq and Safaa can remain connected to education despite the disastrous conditions surrounding them.