The ongoing conflict in Gaza has dealt a severe blow to the region's education system, leaving 650,000 students without formal schooling for nearly a year. This crisis has far-reaching implications for a society that highly values education as a means of personal growth and opportunity.
Ahed Balousha, once an ambitious high school student with dreams of academic excellence, now finds herself living in a tent with her family, focused solely on survival. Her story reflects the plight of countless Gazan students whose educational aspirations have been shattered by the war.
The destruction of educational infrastructure has been extensive. According to the Global Education Cluster, 93% of Gaza's 564 school buildings have sustained damage, with 85% requiring major reconstruction or rehabilitation. Universities and libraries have also been targeted, leading to accusations of deliberate destruction of Gaza's education system.
"There is no IDF policy to target schools or educators. Rather, Hamas' widespread and well documented strategy of exploiting schools and educational facilities for terror activities, has required IDF activity in those areas."
Despite these challenges, educators and aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide alternative learning opportunities. UNRWA, which has been operating schools in Gaza since 1950, has expanded its mental health and recreational programs in shelters. ANERA supports children and youth groups with activities aimed at providing structure and emotional support.
The long-term consequences of this educational disruption are concerning. Educators worry about developmental delays, particularly in children under 8, and the psychological impact on teenagers. The situation is compounded by the loss of teachers, with 400 of Gaza's 23,000 schoolteachers reported killed since October 2023.
Personal stories highlight the resilience of Gaza's educators. Asma Mustafa, an English teacher, has adapted her teaching methods to the challenging circumstances, focusing on critical thinking and life skills in addition to academic subjects.
As the conflict continues, the future of education in Gaza remains uncertain. The disruption threatens to reverse decades of progress in a region that boasted a literacy rate of over 96% before the war. The impact on Gaza's young population, with 43% under the age of 14, could have long-lasting effects on the region's development and prosperity.
The crisis underscores the vital role of education in Gaza, where learning has traditionally been seen as a pathway to opportunity and a means of preserving cultural identity. As the international community grapples with the broader implications of the conflict, the restoration of Gaza's education system must be a priority to safeguard the future of its youth.