Gaza Students Struggle to Rebuild Academic Routine After Conflict Disruption

Gaza Struggles to Rebuild Education System After Israel’s Conflict

Nuseirat, Gaza Strip - A 38-year-old mother of six, Nibal Abu Armana, has taken on the responsibility of teaching her seven-year-old son, Mohammed, basic literacy and numbers in a makeshift tent. The dim light from a battery-powered LED lamp is the only source of illumination for their daily lessons.

The majority of Palestinians in Gaza live in temporary shelters, barely fit for habitation, due to Israel’s ongoing conflict, which has killed over 70,000 people since October 2023. Many school buildings have been damaged or destroyed by Israel, with the majority requiring rehabilitation or reconstruction. According to UNESCO satellite damage assessments, at least 95 percent of school buildings need repair.

Students, including children and young adults, have largely missed regular education since the war began. Nibal’s children used to follow a routine before the conflict: wake up early, attend school, return home, have lunch, play, write homework, and sleep early. However, their daily schedule now revolves around basic needs such as sourcing water, getting meals from charity kitchens, and finding something to burn on the fire for cooking and warmth.

Many older children who missed out on education during the conflict are reluctant to resume their studies. Nibal’s eldest son, Hamza, is 16 years old and has lost interest in education due to prolonged displacement. He now works as a porter, helping people carry aid boxes, and focuses on earning money for his family.

The Islamic University of Gaza’s dean of public relations, Ahmad al-Turk, stated that Israel’s attacks on education have had a significant impact. “Targeting professors affects future generations, especially given the experience and skills these professors possess in their fields of specialization,” he said.

According to UNESCO, 745,000 students, including 88,000 higher education students, have been out of formal schooling since the conflict began. The situation remains challenging, with over 60 percent of vocational training centers damaged or destroyed.

Source: Al Jazeera