School life
In a Western Sahara classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Western Sahara
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalEl Aaiún
- Population~601 thousand
- Time zoneAfrica/El Aaiun (UTC +1)
- CurrencyAlgerian dinar (DZD)
Western Sahara, with El Aaiún marked
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Climate in November: Mild autumn; cooler in the north.
The capital
El Aaiún
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Western Sahara a bit special.
Sahara Desert Dunes
A sea of golden sand stretching to the horizon
Open lesson
Atlantic Coast
One of the world's richest fishing coastlines
Open lesson
Saguia el-Hamra Wadi
The 'Red River' that only flows after rain
Open lesson
Dakhla Lagoon
Kitesurfing world capital on a desert peninsula
Open lesson
Laayoune
The largest city in Western Sahara, built on the edge of the desert
Open lesson
Oasis Dates
Sweet fruit from the palm trees that make desert life possible
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🐪
Saharan Camel
The ship of the desert - built for heat, sand, and long journeys
Open lesson
- 🦊
Fennec Fox
The world's smallest fox, with enormous ears
Open lesson
- 🦌
Addax Antelope
A rare desert antelope with spectacular spiral horns
Open lesson
- 🐦
Houbara Bustard
A desert bird famous for its spectacular courtship dance
Open lesson
- 🦭
Mediterranean Monk Seal
One of the rarest seals in the world, spotted on Atlantic caves
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!Berber
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹWestern Sahara has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Western Sahara?
Choose Western Saharawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.