In the wake of over seven months of relentless conflict, the education system in Gaza has been left shattered, with schools and universities damaged or destroyed, and hundreds of educators and students displaced or killed. Yet, amidst the rubble and the grief, a resilient spirit emerges as Gazans strive to resume learning despite the adversities they face.
In response to the destruction, makeshift schools have sprung up, like the tent school near the coast in al-Mawas, where volunteer teachers like Asmaa al-Astal are determined to ensure that children do not lose a whole year of schooling. Despite the dangers lurking from Israeli bombardment, the commitment to education remains unwavering. “We will be with them, we will bring them here, and we will teach them,” affirms al-Astal.
The toll on education has been staggering, with over 350 teachers and academics lost since October 7, and nearly 90,000 students stranded without access to schools or universities. Gaza’s education system, once a beacon of hope and pride within the enclave, now faces an uncertain future.
Israa Azoum, a fourth-year medical student, exemplifies the determination to persevere through adversity. Volunteering at Al Aqsa hospital, Azoum not only aids overworked medical staff but also refuses to let go of her connection with science amidst the chaos of war. “I love medicine, I love working as a doctor, and I don’t want to forget what I have learned,” she asserts.
Fahid Al-Hadad, a lecturer at the Islamic University of Gaza, echoes the sentiment of resilience. Despite losing his home and years of accumulated books and papers, Al-Hadad remains committed to teaching, albeit facing challenges like weak internet connections and damaged infrastructure.
The struggle extends beyond Gaza’s borders, with thousands of Gazans seeking refuge in Egypt but facing obstacles in accessing education for their children due to a lack of documentation. Nevertheless, initiatives like remote learning from the West Bank offer a lifeline to displaced students, providing a semblance of normalcy amidst displacement.
In southern Gaza, UNICEF endeavors to provide educational support to displaced children through recreational activities and basic learning in makeshift tents. However, as Jonathan Crickx, head of communications for UNICEF in Palestine, acknowledges, these efforts are but a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the challenge.
Wesam Amer, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Languages at Gaza University, emphasizes the limitations of online teaching, particularly in fields like medicine and engineering where practical learning is essential. Yet, amidst the adversity, Amer provides guidance to students, facilitating their access to educational opportunities in the West Bank or Europe.
As Gaza rebuilds in the aftermath of conflict, the resilience of its people shines through in their determination to rebuild not just infrastructure but also the shattered dreams of an entire generation. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the resolve to reclaim the right to education remains unyielding.