Tareq, 10, from Gaza, and Safaa, 14, from Sudan live about 2,000km apart. They have never met, but they share a harsh reality – war has stolen their education.
“When I saw my school in ruins, a deep sadness overwhelmed me. I long for it to return to what it once was,” Tareq tells the BBC from Gaza.
“Despite everything, I haven’t stopped learning. I study at home, making sure not to waste a moment so when I do go back to school, I will be ready,” he adds.
