In Gaza City, a significant step forward has been made for education. After years of conflict, children are finally returning to school, bringing life back to the classrooms, albeit in makeshift tents. The once-thriving educational institutions were decimated by the war, and now, the resilience of the people shines through as students return to their studies, despite the ongoing challenges.
The Return to Education: A New Beginning for Gaza’s Children
Following the October ceasefire, children in Gaza have slowly begun to reclaim a sense of normalcy. Schools, such as the Lulwa Abdel Wahab al-Qatami School, which had been destroyed in the war and used as shelters for displaced families, are once again functioning as places of learning. Though not ideal—classes are conducted in tents—the return of education symbolizes hope for many children who have spent nearly two years without formal schooling.
For these young students, it’s more than just a return to academics; it’s a return to structure and routine. Many children had lost everything during the war, and now, the opportunity to learn again provides them with a semblance of normality amidst the chaos.
Challenges: Limited Resources, Overcrowded Classes
Despite the return to school, the situation remains difficult. More than 97% of schools in Gaza were damaged or destroyed during the conflict, according to UNICEF. The makeshift classrooms, while necessary, are far from ideal. The education provided is basic, covering subjects such as Arabic, English, mathematics, and science, but there is a noticeable shortage of resources. A lack of proper classroom facilities, teaching staff, and educational materials, such as notebooks and pens, is prevalent. Additionally, psychological support is critical, as many students have experienced traumatic events during the war.
The school is operating in three shifts daily to accommodate as many students as possible, with over 1,100 children attending classes. However, the school is already overwhelmed, and many children from neighboring displacement camps are unable to enroll due to lack of space.
The Emotional Toll: Students Struggling with Trauma
Beyond the lack of resources, the emotional toll on the students is significant. Many of them have lost family members, homes, or witnessed violent acts during the war. With a rising number of children in need of psychological support, UNICEF and other organizations are doing their best to help. However, the demand for mental health services far exceeds capacity. The school has one counselor for over 1,100 students, and that isn’t nearly enough to address the trauma these children carry.
14-year-old Naeem al-Asmaar, who lost his mother in an Israeli airstrike, expressed his grief and longing for the return of a normal school life. “Before the war, school was in real classrooms,” he said. “Now it’s in tents, and we only study four subjects, but it still matters. School fills all my time, and I really needed that.”
A Fragile Glimpse of Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges, there is a fragile but powerful hope for the future. For parents like Huda Bassam al-Dasouki, the return to school is a moment of relief, even as they grapple with the financial burden of education. “It’s not that education doesn’t exist,” she said. “It’s that it’s extremely difficult.” With supplies unaffordable or unavailable, the struggle for basic materials continues, but the return to learning represents more than just academics—it is a sign of resilience.
A Collective Effort to Rebuild Gaza’s Educational System
As the situation remains fluid, there is a growing effort from international organizations like UNICEF to provide necessary supplies and support to schools in Gaza. However, restrictions on aid entry, combined with the continuing conflict, hinder their ability to fully meet the needs of the children. Still, the determination of the educators, students, and families to restore education in Gaza speaks volumes about the resilience of the community.
For many, the simple act of returning to school is a powerful symbol of the human spirit’s ability to recover, adapt, and grow, even in the face of adversity.
