The BBC World Service is addressing the educational needs of children affected by war with the launch of Dars, a program designed to help those in Gaza and Sudan cope with the loss of their schooling. The initiative aims to support over 30 million children, most notably in regions where armed conflict has devastated educational structures.
BBC Launches New Educational Initiative for Children in Conflict Zones
BBC Launches New Educational Initiative for Children in Conflict Zones
In response to the educational crisis facing children in war-torn areas, the BBC has launched a new Arabic edition of its educational program, Dars, aimed at providing learning opportunities to the youth of Gaza and Sudan.
Amidst the ruins of their schools, children from war-torn regions like Gaza and Sudan are sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Ten-year-old Tareq from Gaza and 14-year-old Safaa from Sudan have never met, yet their experiences echo the tragic reality of having their education stolen by conflict. "When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me,” Tareq recalls. “I long for it to return to what it once was.” Despite the destruction, he persists in his studies at home, determined to be ready when schools reopen.
Safaa, dreaming of becoming a heart surgeon, also clings to hope amidst her traumatic memories from Sudan's civil war. "Bodies were scattered everywhere, which deeply moved me. I want to save lives instead of seeing them lost," she shares.
According to UNICEF, approximately 30 million children are currently out of school in the Middle East and North Africa due to ongoing conflicts. The situation is particularly dire in Sudan, where over 16 million children are affected. The BBC's initiative comes after a year in which more than 600,000 children in Gaza missed educational opportunities, underscoring the urgent need for accessible learning.
In Sudan, the devastation is widespread, with education minister Ahmed Khalifa revealing that 60% to 70% of the country's public schools—around 15,000—have been completely destroyed. "No state was spared," he states. Even in regions that are relatively safer, educational facilities have suffered damage from militia actions.
To combat this education crisis, the BBC World Service has launched Dars (Arabic for "Lesson"), an educational program targeted at children aged 11 to 16 and rich with lessons on subjects like mathematics, technology, climate change, and mental health. First introduced in 2023 for Afghan children, the program serves as a "learning lifeline" for kids who cannot attend traditional schooling.
Launched on February 9, the program features stories from resilient children like Tareq and Safaa, showcasing their determination to learn despite adversity. Dars episodes air weekly on BBC News Arabic TV and are accessible across digital platforms and radio services in conflict-affected regions like Gaza and Syria.
