The lost Education in Gaza

Gaza Strip – Occupied Palestinian territories- The declaration of temporary ceasefire in Gaza on 20th of Jan 2025 does not mean that Children and teachers in Gaza can resume learning process quickly in Gaza. They have been experiencing nightmares, killing, displacement, starvation, lack of education for more than 15 months after declaring war on Gaza on 7th of October 2023.  Rajaa’ is one of the Palestinian teachers who is worried about the future of the children who lost their education due to the war which led to the near-total collapse of its education system, with educational facilities destroyed and human resources lost, according to UN statistics. 

Rajaa’ described the situation of children and education as “catastrophic”.

The children in Gaza need an education system that can deal with children with disabilities, including those who have lost limbs or lost their families. Many students have lost their families … others have lost limbs or are suffering psychological trauma as a result of repeated displacement and loss of security. Gaza’s education system will need to be completely rebuilt, taking into account the physical and psychological trauma suffered by children and teachers. 

Many schools in Gaza have been partially or completely destroyed by bombardment by Israeli forces. Rajaa’ said: “Schools have suffered from massive damage and have turned into shelters for displaced people. I don’t think education will resume soon after this destruction; it will take a long time. The disruption of education will have a profoundly negative impact on children. 

Rajaa’ said: “many children do not even know the basic letters and words in our language; they have forgotten everything because of the war”.

Rajaa’ said: “education is extremely difficult under destroyed environment where tents have become alternatives for school buildings which lack the most basic standards necessary for an educational environment”. 

This is the second year that schools have been closed in Gaza, affecting 658,000 children. The war has affected the lives and livelihoods of more than 22,000 teachers, according to UN figures. Preliminary estimates suggest that nearly 95 per cent of basic, secondary and tertiary education facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Restrictions on the entry of educational supplies continue to limit educational actors’ capacity to expand interventions.  Parents are reticent to enroll children in temporary learning spaces

After declaring the ceasefire on Jan 20th 2025, the scale of the damage shows a need to plan for the rebuilding of the education system. Rajaa’ said: “children's needs are numerous now and I believe it is difficult for them to go for far places to receive education due to lack of stability. I hope education can be provided within the camp or shelter where they have been displaced so that the children remain close to their mothers”. 

Rajaa’ says: “the educational points and locations need to address the needs of children with disabilities, including those who have lost limbs or lost their families. More immediately, there is an urgent need for intervention to provide psychological support to affected children. 

Rebuilding of educational system needs supporting teachers as the major in learning process. Rajaa’ said: “teachers need psychological and moral support to regain their energy and continue teaching journey with enthusiasm.

Under the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, education is a fundamental right in times of peace as in times of emergency and war.

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ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people living in more than 72 of the world's poorest countries. We envision a world characterized by justice and sustainability, where every individual has the right to a dignified life and freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. We strive to achieve social justice, gender equality, and eradicate poverty.

ActionAid Palestine began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to enjoy freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs through its engagement with Palestinian communities and youth and women’s groups, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective action to address the rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation, in addition to improving their leadership capacity and practicing their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable.

For more information, please contact:

Riham Jafari 

Communication and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine 

Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org