In war-torn Gaza, where destruction and loss have become daily realities, a remarkable story of resilience and hope unfolds. Despite ongoing conflict, displacement, and the destruction of nearly all schools, children continue their pursuit of education. With their schools reduced to rubble, students in Gaza now gather in tents, makeshift shelters, and refugee camps to continue their learning journey. These mobile education centers, established by dedicated volunteers, serve as a lifeline of hope in the face of adversity.
Education Against the Odds
According to recent statistics, more than 600 schools in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged in recent conflicts, leaving over 500,000 children without access to formal education. The lack of educational infrastructure has displaced countless children, with over 1.1 million people forced to flee their homes. Amidst this crisis, a growing network of volunteers, educators, and community members has taken it upon themselves to keep education alive.
In tents and makeshift classrooms, children gather daily to receive lessons in basic subjects like math, reading, and writing. These classes are often held in cramped conditions, with students sitting on mattresses on the floor due to a lack of desks and chairs. Many schools are not in sight; the very act of learning has moved into shelters and refugee camps. Despite these hardships, children show up eager to learn, motivated by a thirst for knowledge and the distraction from the harsh realities surrounding them.
Volunteers Stepping Up
Most of the teaching in Gaza is provided by volunteers—people who have chosen to stand up for the next generation in the face of overwhelming odds. Teachers, some of whom have lost their own homes and families, continue to educate these children, providing not only knowledge but a sense of hope and normalcy. Education here has become more than just academic; it’s a vital coping mechanism for children traumatized by war. It offers them a safe space to escape the horrors they’ve witnessed and regain some sense of normalcy.
However, these efforts are severely limited by a lack of supplies. With all of Gaza’s schools destroyed, volunteers face significant challenges in providing even the most basic educational tools. Floor mattresses, tents to set up temporary classrooms, stationery, pens, notebooks, coloring materials—all these items are in desperate need. Without them, it is hard to organize lessons or create any sense of structure for the children.
Support Needed to Keep Hope Alive
These self-initiated educational efforts urgently require support. Gaza’s children need not just teachers but the tools to learn, express themselves, and continue their education in these difficult times. It is not just about providing education, but also about helping children develop skills and a sense of accomplishment. Education offers hope for a better future, an opportunity for them to see beyond the trauma and destruction. Help us set up school opportunities for children inside one of the camps here in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Hospital.
Palshekel’s Vision for Education
At Palshekel, we believe that education is a critical pillar in rebuilding Gaza’s future. As part of our Future Voices initiative, we aim to add English curriculum and use technology to expand educational opportunities for children in Gaza. By incorporating technology into the curriculum, we can provide digital learning tools that allow children to learn despite the physical destruction of schools. This initiative will not only support their current education but also equip them with skills for the future.
Moreover, this is a crucial opportunity to foster future leaders in the community. Many of these children, if given the right education and mentorship, have the potential to become the change-makers Gaza so desperately needs. Palshekel is also committed to identifying good characters and employing them within our team, creating a community-driven workforce for the future.
A Call for Support
We call on everyone to contribute in whatever way they can—whether it’s donating tents for classrooms, mattresses for children to sit on, or basic educational supplies like pens, notebooks, and coloring materials. Passionate teachers are ready to teach. Eager students are ready to learn. Every little bit helps and can make a world of difference in these children’s lives.
Together, we can provide a lifeline of education, hope, and resilience for Gaza’s children.
Your support will not only sustain their education but also preserve their dreams, empower their families, and pave the way for a future where Gaza’s children grow up to be leaders and innovators. With education as the foundation, Gaza’s children can rise above the challenges they face and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
