BBC Launches Educational Initiative for War-Affected Children

Amid devastation caused by war, the BBC has unveiled an innovative educational program titled Dars geared towards children in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan, aiming to provide learning opportunities for the millions displaced from traditional schooling.

In a heart-wrenching testimony, Tareq, a 10-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, expresses his sorrow, saying, “When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me.” Thousands of kilometers away in Sudan, 14-year-old Safaa shares a similar plight; both children represent the millions deprived of education due to ongoing conflicts in their respective regions.

Statistics provided by Unicef reveal staggering numbers, showing approximately 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are out of school, with Sudan accounting for over 16.5 million. Tareq, despite the heartache, continues his education from home, preparing for the day he can return to a classroom setting. "I haven't stopped learning," he remarks, emphasizing his commitment to education.

In Sudan, Safaa's aspirations of becoming a heart surgeon are rooted in her traumatic experiences during her country’s civil war. Reflecting on the chaos surrounding her, Safaa noted, "Bodies were scattered everywhere," which ignited her passion for saving lives rather than witnessing their loss.

The BBC World Service recently introduced the Arabic edition of its educational program Dars, which aims to bridge these educational gaps. Previously launched in Afghanistan, Dars is now tailored for children aged 11-16 in conflict zones, offering diverse subjects such as mathematics, technology, climate change, and mental health. The initiative is seen as a lifeline, particularly in regions like Sudan, where 60-70% of the educational infrastructure has been devastated due to violence.

Sudan's education minister Ahmed Khalifa confirmed the dire state of education in the nation, revealing that out of approximately 15,000 public schools, a significant portion has lost basic infrastructure. He stated, “No state was spared,” illustrating the widespread impact of civil strife on education.

Dars will broadcast weekly lessons over various platforms, including BBC News Arabic TV and digital channels. The series aims to empower young audiences through stories of resilience, like those of Tareq and Safaa, highlighting their fierce determination to learn despite adversity. The first episode aired on February 9, with new episodes available every Sunday, echoing the hope that education can flourish even in the darkest times.