Gaza’s children resume education in makeshift classrooms without books or supplies after two-year war, with 97% of schools damaged and psychological support needed
GAZA CITY: Eleven-year-old Layan Haji navigates Gaza City’s ruins daily to reach a makeshift classroom after two years of war halted her education.
The young student carries no backpack, books or uniform on her half-hour walk through devastated streets full of rubble.
“I walk for half an hour at least. The streets are devastated, full of ruins… It is difficult and sad,” Haji said while wearing a torn shirt and patched trousers.
But “I am happy to return to my studies,” added the girl who dreams of becoming a doctor.
Haji is among 900 students attending Al-Louloua al-Qatami school, one of several temporary establishments reopening since the Israel-Hamas war began.
“We don’t have books or notebooks. The libraries are bombed and destroyed,” said Haji, who lives in a displacement camp in Tal al-Hawa.
Sixteen-year-old Said Sheldan also lacks basic school supplies despite his joy at returning to education.
“I don’t have books, notebooks, pens or a bag. There are no chairs, electricity or water — not even streets,” he said.
Sheldan must collect water and wait in line for bread each morning before attending classes.
His family has been displaced ten times and “no longer have a home,” he added.
Headmaster Iman al-Hinawi hopes to soon provide free books and supplies to students.
She warned the war has forced Gaza’s children into “heavy labour” to support families, especially when breadwinners were killed.
Children now collect firewood, fetch water and queue for food across the territory where the UN previously declared famine.
AFP correspondents have witnessed children clutching plastic buckets and plates while jostling through crowds to collect family rations.
The school uses play-based learning methods to address psychological distress from war trauma.
Young girls dance to solve math equations while others act out comedic scenes to recite curriculum poems.
Faisal al-Qasas, overseeing Al-Louloua al-Qatami school, said children remain preoccupied with bread and water queues.
The school now uses extracurricular activities to support mental health and help students resume studies.
According to UN assessments, 97% of Gaza’s schools sustained damage, with most needing full reconstruction or major rehabilitation.
Israeli strikes have killed many Palestinians sheltering in schools, with Israel alleging Hamas fighters hide there.
UNRWA has opened temporary learning spaces as schools also serve as displacement shelters.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said more than 25,000 children have joined these spaces, with 300,000 expected for online classes.
This falls short of education ministry estimates of more than 758,000 students in the strip.
Local initiatives in southern Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area aim to bring children back to school with international support.
Qatar’s Education Above All Foundation launched the Rebuilding Hope for Gaza programme supporting over 100,000 students.
The programme distributes school supplies, ensures internet and electricity access, and provides psychological support.
Even with support, one Al-Mawasi school only offers Arabic, English, maths and science.
Hazem Abu Habib from a foundation-backed initiative aims to help students resume education with basic courses.
Before the war, Gaza was “completely free of illiteracy,” he said.
Now “education is facing its most critical period.” – AFP
