**The BBC's Dars programme aims to reach millions of children deprived of an education due to ongoing conflicts, with a focus on regions like Gaza and Sudan.**
**BBC's New Initiative: Educational Programme for Children in Conflict Zones**
**BBC's New Initiative: Educational Programme for Children in Conflict Zones**
**Innovative educational series launched to provide learning opportunities for children affected by war.**
In a heartbreaking testament to the challenges faced by children in war-torn areas, Tareq, a 10-year-old from Gaza, expressed the deep pain of seeing his school in ruins. “When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me,” he shared, revealing the profound impact of conflict on his education. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Safaa from Sudan, separated from Tareq by over 2,000 kilometers, also grapples with the consequences of war on her aspirations to become a heart surgeon. “I’m still holding on to hope,” she states, amidst memories of trauma from Sudan’s civil war.
According to the United Nations children’s agency, Unicef, around 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa, with over 16.5 million in Sudan alone, are currently out of school. In response, the BBC World Service has launched an Arabic edition of its acclaimed educational programme, Dars, aimed at providing much-needed lessons to children who have lost access to formal education. Saleem Oweis of Unicef highlighted that “over 600,000 children in Gaza have not received education this past year.”
Sudan's education minister, Ahmed Khalifa, noted the dire situation, stating that 60% to 70% of the country’s public schools have been severely damaged due to the ongoing conflict, with systematic destruction impacting even the safer regions.
Dars, initially introduced in 2023 for Afghan children, including those denied secondary education, has been described as a "learning lifeline" by the UN. Targeting children aged 11 to 16, the programme covers various subjects, including mathematics, technology, mental health, and incorporates inspiring stories from children like Tareq and Safaa, who strive for education amidst adversity.
The first episode of Dars Arabic aired on February 9, with subsequent weekly episodes available on BBC News Arabic TV, digital platforms, and radio services covering regions like Gaza and Syria.
