BBC Launches Educational Program for War-Affected Children in the Middle East and North Africa

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The BBC World Service has launched an Arabic edition of its educational program Dars to address the severe educational disruptions faced by children in war-torn regions, particularly in Gaza and Sudan. According to UNICEF, approximately 30 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are out of school, with over 16.5 million in Sudan alone.

Ten-year-old Tareq from Gaza expressed his heartbreak over his destroyed school, saying, "a deep sadness overwhelmed me," but remains committed to studying at home. Similarly, 14-year-old Safaa from Sudan dreams of becoming a heart surgeon despite the trauma from her country's civil war.

Saleem Oweis from UNICEF reported that in Gaza, over 600,000 school-aged children have missed education due to ongoing conflict. Sudan's Education Minister, Ahmed Khalifa, noted that 60% to 70% of the 15,000 public schools have been severely damaged, exacerbating the crisis for children seeking education.

Dars, first launched in 2023 for Afghan children, features weekly lessons on various subjects and stories from impacted children, reinforcing their resilience and determination to learn.

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