**Tareq and Safaa, two young voices from war-torn regions, inspire a new educational project from the BBC aimed at helping millions of out-of-school children.**
**BBC Launches New Educational Initiative for Children Affected by War**
**BBC Launches New Educational Initiative for Children Affected by War**
**Program Dars Aims to Provide Learning Opportunities Amidst Conflict in Gaza and Sudan**
"When I saw my school reduced to rubble, a wave of despair washed over me," shares Tareq, a ten-year-old from Gaza, reflecting on the devastation brought by ongoing conflict. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his education, studying at home with the hope of returning to a traditional classroom someday.
From Sudan, 14-year-old Safaa also articulates the harsh impact of war on her aspirations. Inspired by the loss she has witnessed, her dream is to become a heart surgeon, transforming her painful memories into a determination to heal instead of observe death.
Together, Tareq and Safaa represent millions of children whose education is at risk due to conflict. According to UNICEF, around 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are currently out of school; Sudan alone accounts for more than half, with around 16.5 million affected.
In response to this pressing situation, the BBC World Service has rolled out an Arabic edition of its educational program, Dars, designed to cater to the needs of children in war zones. Saleem Oweis from UNICEF underscores the gravity, stating that over 600,000 Gaza school children have been deprived of education within the last year due to instability.
Additionally, Sudan has been gripped by civil unrest for nearly two years, rendering many children homeless and dependent on local education initiatives for their studies. Ahmed Khalifa, the education minister in Sudan, emphasizes the widespread destruction: "Between 60% and 70% of our public schools have been severely compromised, affecting our infrastructure and resources."
Originally launched for Afghan children in 2023, the Dars program has been hailed by the United Nations as a "learning lifeline." It offers educational content across a variety of subjects, including mathematics and health, tailored for kids aged 11 to 16. Notably, personal narratives like those of Tareq and Safaa will also be featured, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
The program debuted on February 9th and airs weekly on BBC News Arabic TV, with episodes also accessible via digital platforms and local radio services, all aiming to provide a beacon of hope and education to children living through turmoil.
