After two years of war, children in Gaza are returning to makeshift classrooms, even though their schools now consist of tents inside damaged buildings. Despite walking through destroyed streets without books, bags, or uniforms, students like 11-year-old Layan Haji say they feel hopeful as they resume learning and dream of rebuilding their futures.
Moreover, education officials say that nearly 900 children are attending the Al-Louloua al-Qatami school alone, which reopened after a fragile ceasefire allowed limited movement. However, students still struggle without supplies, as libraries were destroyed and many families lost their homes. Yet, children continue arriving every day with determination and a desire to learn.
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Additionally, older students face even heavier burdens. Sixteen-year-old Said Sheldan attends school after completing daily survival tasks such as collecting water and waiting for bread. His family has been displaced repeatedly, and like many others, he studies in classrooms without chairs, electricity, or clean water.
Furthermore, teachers say the psychological toll on students is immense. Many children perform difficult labour to support families who lost breadwinners. To help them cope, schools have introduced learning-through-play methods, including dances, roleplay, and creative performances that help ease trauma while keeping lessons engaging.
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Although nearly all schools in Gaza have suffered damage, temporary learning spaces are being set up to restore access to education. Local and international initiatives now offer essential supplies, limited subjects, and mental-health support. Even with limited resources, educators say they aim to prevent rising illiteracy and protect learning during what they call Gaza’s most critical educational moment.