Syrian School

[KurriKurri]

Did anyone watch this programme last week? Its Wednesday night on BBC4.

Fascinating insight into life in Syria. Some great kids on it. It sort of shows that kids are kids wherever they are in the world, at the same time very moving -showing some of the terrible experiences these poor children have been through.

I watched it and really enjoyed it. I love watching programmes about life in other countries and cultures.

As you said it shows just how similar people are,no matter what country they're from.

I felt so sorry for the head girl when all her father could think about was that she was overweight,not the awards and status she'd achieved.

Yes that was sad LTBR, she looked so uncomfortable and embarrassed when he was ranting on.

And the lad who was frightened by loud bangs, - what a troubled life he'd had for such a young boy.

But the cheeky girl who unexpectedly got nominated for a responsible position - she was fun, - and very interesting to hear the varying opinions on wearing the Hijab, and how some girls are more conservative than their parents.

oooh. I will see if it's on iplayer. My sister lived in Damascus for a year and I visited her there briefly.

Its a series of four I think CJ, it will be on iplayer I'm sure, ep.2 9.00p.p.m Wed.

I felt so sorry for that boy when we heard how he never got the chance to play in front of the talent scout.It's

I watched this and found it fascinating. I thought the way the Head handled the Iraqi boys who had been fighting was spot on - firm but compassionate. They literally kissed and made up! how wonderful was that moment?

The visit to the girls' school by the First Lady reminded me of when Michelle Obama visited EGA school in Islington last year - great stuff. She was very liberal and pro- work for women. I was surprised at my owm stereotypes of Syrian society and how I assumed it was a lot less liberal for women than it actually is. It has certainly dispelled myths for me - hopefully it will for others too.

There was a similarly fascinating and very moving documentary on a couple of years ago, called The Boys from Baghdad High, which has stayed with me a long time.

I am enjoying this. Taught in Oman for a couple of years and it takes me back to Middle Eastern life. Now am settled in the UK with family but still having yearning to go back to teach over there at some point.