**The BBC World Service has launched an Arabic edition of its educational program Dars, reaching children whose studies have been disrupted by ongoing conflicts in their regions.**
**BBC Introduces Educational Initiative for War-Affected Children**
**BBC Introduces Educational Initiative for War-Affected Children**
**A new program aims to support the education of children in conflict zones such as Gaza and Sudan.**
"In war, schools become ruins and dreams fade away," reflects Tareq, a 10-year-old from Gaza. He shares a connection with Safaa, a 14-year-old Sudanese girl, despite living 2,000 kilometers apart. Both endure the harsh effects of war; their ambitions and educational opportunities hang in the balance.
"When I saw my school in ruins, I felt a deep sadness fall upon me," Tareq recalls, articulating the despair felt by millions of children in war-affected regions. Despite the tumult, he remains determined to learn, finding ways to study from home in hopes of being prepared for the day he can return to school.
In Sudan, the situation is equally dire, with Safaa harboring dreams of becoming a heart surgeon. She draws strength from her aspirations, though memories of the civil conflict weigh heavily on her psyche. "I want to save lives, especially after witnessing so much loss," she says, highlighting the tragic realities faced by children in these regions.
According to Unicef, an estimated 30 million children are currently out of school across the Middle East and North Africa, with Sudan witnessing the highest numbers — about 16.5 million. The devastation is evident, as Saleem Oweis from Unicef notes, "over 600,000 school-aged children in Gaza received no education last year."
As wars like the one in Sudan continue, more than half of the national schools have been severely damaged. Sudan's education minister, Ahmed Khalifa, remarked on the overwhelming scale of the destruction, stating, "60% to 70% of our public schools have been lost," pointing to the grim reality for millions of children who are driven from the classrooms.
In response to these challenges, the BBC has initiated the Arabic edition of Dars (Arabic for "Lesson"), which previously served children in Afghanistan. This award-winning program provides educational content on various subjects including math and technology while emphasizing mental health.
Dars aims to fill in the educational void for children aged 11 to 16, showcasing stories of resilience and hope such as those of Tareq and Safaa. The first episode debuted on February 9, with new content rolling out every Sunday, reaching young audiences not only via television but also online and through radio, providing a vital educational lifeline.
