'I miss my school': BBC launches Arabic programme for children in war zones

Tariq, a 10-year-old boy from Gaza, and Safa, a 14-year-old girl from Sudan, though separated by about 2,000 kilometers and never having met, face a shared harsh reality: war has deprived them of their right to education. This conflict has had an indelible impact on the lives of countless children, with interrupted education being just one aspect of it. This educational disruption underscores the urgent need for solutions to protect children's futures in conflict zones.

Tariq, in an interview with the BBC in Gaza, said, "I felt very sad when I saw my school turned into ruins. I long for it to be restored to its original state." He added, "Despite everything, I never stopped learning. I study hard at home to make sure I don't waste any time so that I can return to school in the future, fully prepared." His determination highlights the resilience of children in the face of adversity.

In Sudan, Safa dreams of becoming a heart surgeon. "I still have hope," she said, but she has painful memories of the country's civil war. "There were dead bodies everywhere, and it touched me deeply, making me want to save lives instead of watching them pass away." Safa's aspirations demonstrate a powerful desire to contribute positively to her community despite the trauma she has experienced.

Tariq and Safa are among the 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa estimated by UNICEF to be out of school. It is estimated that more than half of them—16.5 million—are in Sudan alone. In response to this grim situation, BBC World Service has launched an Arabic version of its award-winning educational program "Dars" (meaning "lesson"). This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to children affected by conflict and displacement.

UNICEF spokesperson Salim Oweis stated that in the past year, in Gaza, "more than 600,000 children—that's all school-age children in Gaza—have not received an education." He added, "We are seeing a pattern where conflict, insecurity, and crisis are taking a real toll on children's education and learning." Sudanese Education Minister Ahmed Khalifa, in an interview with the BBC, emphasized the extent of the destruction. "No state has been spared," he said. "There are about 15,000 public schools in Sudan. 60% to 70% of them have been completely damaged, losing their foundations, infrastructure, and books. Even in safer states, schools have suffered damage due to systematic destruction by militias." The widespread damage to educational infrastructure presents a significant challenge to restoring education in the affected regions.

"Dars" was originally launched in 2023 for Afghan children, including girls who were banned from attending secondary school. The UN called it a "learning lifeline" for children unable to attend school. The Arabic version of "Dars" is designed for children aged 11 to 16, offering weekly lessons in a range of subjects, including mathematics, technology, climate, and mental health. It also tells the stories of children like Tariq and Safa, who are determined to learn despite facing war and other obstacles. The first episode aired on BBC News Arabic TV on Sunday, February 9. New episodes air every Sunday at 05:30 GMT (07:30 EET) and are rebroadcast at 10:05 GMT (12:05 EET) and throughout the week. The program is also available on digital platforms, including BBC News Arabic YouTube, and lifeline radio services in Gaza and Syria. The program's accessibility through various platforms ensures a wider reach to children in need of educational support.