Gaza Children Attend Tent Schools Amid Sniper Fire Risks

Students in Beit Lahiya are attending makeshift classes in areas near Israeli positions, as UNICEF reports on the impact of trauma on children’s development.

In a small tent in the “yellow zone” area, seven-year-old Tulin is preparing for her first day of school after a two-year hiatus. Her mother expressed concern about the safety of their daily commute to school, stating that she often accompanies her daughter due to the danger posed by Israeli forces.

The Israeli war has resulted in significant damage to Gaza’s educational infrastructure, forcing families to establish makeshift schools in close proximity to Israeli positions. Tulin described her fear of open spaces and the sound of gunfire during her daily journey to school.

Teachers at these makeshift schools face challenges in providing a safe learning environment due to the presence of Israeli forces. They have implemented measures such as having students lie on the ground during periods of sniper fire, with one teacher stating that they pray for no injuries to occur.

UNICEF has reported that 98% of Gaza’s schools have suffered damage, with 88% requiring rehabilitation or reconstruction. The organization estimates that approximately 638,000 school-aged children and 70,000 kindergarten-aged children have lost two full academic years due to the conflict.

The psychological toll on students is also evident, with UNICEF reporting that 25% of children have developed speech difficulties. The lack of educational materials has further exacerbated the situation, with virtually no learning materials entering Gaza since the war began in October 2023.

UNICEF is currently preparing to launch a “Back to Learn” initiative aimed at supporting education in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera