The Documentary Podcast The Fifth Floor: Education against the odds
May 3, 2025
Saif Rebai from BBC Arabic Xtra shares inspiring tales from the Libyan desert, highlighting a teacher's relentless 40km journey to educate children in a remote village. The discussion reveals the staggering issue of over 30 million kids out of school in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly those affected by crises in Sudan and Gaza. Joining him are Hanan Razek and Georgina Pearce, who detail innovative educational programs aimed at connecting these children to essential learning resources, showcasing resilience and hope in dire circumstances.
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Dars Arabic Supports Displaced Children
- Millions of children in the Middle East and North Africa are out of school due to conflicts, notably 17 million in Sudan.
- The BBC program Dars Arabic provides crucial educational content to keep displaced children connected to learning.
Mental Health Education Matters
- Mental health education is vital in conflict zones where children experience trauma and displacement.
- The program carefully addresses sensitive topics like loss and stress to offer coping tools and hope.
Teacher's Journey in Libyan Desert
- Bashir, a teacher, travels 40 km twice weekly to teach a remote Libyan desert community.
- Despite harsh living conditions, his efforts foster literacy and learning in a forgotten area.