Gazas makeshift university reopens for first time since 2014

Academic Initiative Erupts in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict

A new academic initiative has emerged in the densely populated area of al-Mawasi in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. Scholars Without Borders, a US-based non-governmental organization, has established “University City,” a makeshift academic space designed to provide students with access to education.

The site, constructed from locally sourced materials such as wood and metal sheets, features six halls that can accommodate up to 600 students per day. The initiative aims to bring students back into lecture halls, offering a sense of normalcy in an environment where education has been severely disrupted due to the ongoing conflict.

University City operates on a rotating weekly schedule, with each day allocated to a different academic institution. This system allows multiple institutions to share the limited space, ensuring the widest possible access for students. The site includes internet access powered by solar panels, improvised green areas, and a small business incubator aimed at helping students explore their own prospects.

Several prominent universities in Gaza, including the Islamic University and Al-Azhar University, have begun using the site alongside other colleges such as the Palestine College of Nursing. However, the reality behind this initiative is complex, with many universities having been systematically damaged or destroyed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023.

According to reports, Gaza’s academic institutions have been severely impacted, with some campuses being rendered inoperable and others partially restored but with restricted capacity. The Palestine College of Nursing, for example, has been surrounded by ruins after falling within the “yellow line” where the Israeli military continues to be based.

Students who have been displaced from their homes due to the conflict are now able to access education at University City. For many, this is a rare opportunity to engage in academic activities, with some having been denied education for over two years. The initiative aims to provide students with a better environment and bring education closer to those in need.

The site’s representative, Hamza Abu Daqqa, stated that the organization’s mission is to “bring education closer to students in a better environment.” Despite the challenges, University City offers a glimmer of hope for Gaza’s students who have been struggling to access education due to the ongoing conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera