Back to School in Gaza: Learning in Tents After Years of Disruption

In the midst of ongoing conflict and displacement, the people of Gaza are taking small steps towards normalcy. For thousands of children, the start of a new school year marks a return to face-to-face education after nearly three years of disruption. However, this fragile progress is threatened by the very conditions that have kept students out of classrooms for so long.

The makeshift schools set up in tents and temporary spaces are a testament to the resilience of Gaza’s educators and parents. Nesma Nahid Abu Asim, a mathematics teacher with over a decade of experience, has seen firsthand the challenges facing her students. “During this period, education has been very difficult,” she said. “There have been major challenges for both parents and teachers as we try to get the student to safety.” The lack of basic stationery, textbooks, desks, and chairs is compounded by the ongoing threat of violence.

Nearly 98% of school buildings in Gaza have been damaged since October 2023, with over 93% requiring major rehabilitation or full reconstruction. As a result, more than 700,000 children aged four to 17 have missed formal face-to-face schooling for almost three consecutive years. Of these, around 420,000 have had no face-to-face learning at all.

Education is not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s a question of priorities. In Gaza, education often takes a backseat to survival. Parents like Rana Totah have been forced to make impossible choices between feeding their children and keeping them in school. “Sometimes there would be months when I stopped taking them altogether,” she said. Her sons’ first day of school was a welcome respite from the uncertainty that has defined their lives for so long.

The international community must recognize that Gaza’s education system is not just a local issue, but a global concern. The ongoing siege and blockade have created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with severe consequences for children’s education. As the world grapples with the implications of conflict on civilians, it’s essential to acknowledge the impact on education.

The return to face-to-face learning in Gaza is a fragile and tentative step forward. While temporary classrooms may provide some relief, they are not a substitute for safe and permanent spaces. Abu Asim’s hope that schools will eventually be emptied of displaced families and returned to their rightful owners is a reminder that education is not just about bricks and mortar, but about the children who deserve a chance to learn.

As Gaza’s students return to school, they bring with them the hopes and dreams of a generation. But their futures are inextricably linked to the peace process and the end of Israel’s siege on Gaza. Until then, educators like Abu Asim will continue to work tirelessly to provide an education that is both safe and meaningful.

In the midst of conflict, it’s easy to forget that children are not just statistics or news headlines – they’re individuals with aspirations and potential. The people of Gaza are fighting for more than just a return to normalcy; they’re fighting for a chance at a future that includes education, opportunity, and peace.