In the midst of conflict, children around the globe are yearning for the stability of education. Ten-year-old Tareq, hailing from Gaza, expresses his heartache as he gazes at the ruins of his school: "When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me." For Tareq and 14-year-old Safaa from Sudan, these words resonate deeply, highlighting a shared tragedy that war has inflicted upon their education.
Despite the chaos surrounding them, both children remain determined. “I study at home, making sure not to waste a moment so when I do go back to school, I will be ready,” Tareq stated, embodying the spirit of resilience. In Sudan, Safaa clings to a dream of becoming a heart surgeon, despite the traumatic experiences she has encountered amidst civil war: “Bodies were scattered everywhere... I want to save lives instead of seeing them lost.”
UNICEF reports that approximately 30 million children are presently out of school across the Middle East and North Africa, with over 16.5 million affected in Sudan alone. The scars of conflict have left a staggering mark on education systems, with Saleem Oweis from UNICEF noting: “We're seeing a pattern of how conflicts, insecurity and crises are inflicting real harm on children's education and learning.”
The educational landscape in Sudan has deteriorated dramatically over the past two years, with millions of children finding refuge in camps where education is scarce. Sudan’s education minister, Ahmed Khalifa, emphasized the destruction faced by schools: “Between 60% and 70% of these schools have been completely damaged,” speaking to the urgent need for educational resources.
In an effort to mitigate this crisis, the BBC World Service has rolled out an Arabic edition of its acclaimed program Dars. Initially established in 2023 for Afghan children, particularly girls denied secondary schooling, Dars is now expanding its reach. Aiming to serve children aged 11 to 16, the program offers a broad curriculum, covering subjects like mathematics, technology, climate awareness, and mental health.
The inaugural episode of Dars Arabic aired on February 9, with subsequent episodes scheduled weekly, promoting ongoing learning amidst adversity. Accessible through various platforms, including BBC News Arabic TV and YouTube, Dars represents not only an educational program but also a lifeline for children who refuse to abandon their dreams in the face of violence and destruction.
