As the conflict continues, Gaza's education system has collapsed, leaving parents to choose between makeshift tent schools or prohibitively expensive private institutions.
- Approximately 700,000 children in Gaza have missed formal schooling for nearly three years.
- Only 2% of school buildings remain undamaged; 93% require major reconstruction.
- Private school fees (approx. $131/month) are unaffordable for most displaced families.
- Volunteer-run tent schools provide a vital but resource-starved alternative.
In a makeshift tent in central Gaza, Khadija Abu Qados prepares her 11-year-old daughter, Jouri, for a day of learning amidst constant Israeli air raids. The family, displaced from northern Gaza's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, now resides in a camp in Deir el-Balah. For Khadija, the simple act of sending her children to school has become a harrowing financial and emotional struggle.
Jouri and her 14-year-old sister, Ritaj, attend Elyaa’ School, where classrooms are nothing more than tents. There are no desks or chairs; children sit on mattresses and carpets. The sweltering heat, coupled with a lack of ventilation, makes focus nearly impossible. This is the grim reality for a generation that has seen its formal education system dismantled by war.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the destruction of educational infrastructure in Gaza is creating a massive 'learning gap' that will have long-term socio-economic consequences for the entire region. Without access to structured learning, the human capital of Gaza is being systematically eroded.
Before the conflict, the children were high achievers in UNRWA-run schools. Now, they struggle to catch up in environments that lack even basic stationery. Khadija notes that even a single notebook now costs between four and six shekels, a significant expense for a family prioritizing food and water survival.
The systematic dismantling of the educational environment in Gaza is a direct threat to the future stability of Palestinian society.
The scale of the crisis is staggering. According to UNICEF, nearly 700,000 children aged 4 to 17 have missed three consecutive years of face-to-face schooling. The physical destruction is nearly total: 93% of school buildings require major repairs or complete rebuilding.
Comparing Educational Options in Gaza
| Feature | Volunteer/Tent Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~30 Shekels ($8) | ~400 Shekels ($131) |
| Infrastructure | Tents, mattresses, limited resources | Relatively stable, formal classrooms |
| Accessibility | High for displaced populations | Low; limited to wealthy minority |
While volunteer initiatives like the one led by Noha Khader offer a lifeline, they are severely understaffed. Elyaa’ School serves over 1,100 students with only 40 volunteer staff members. On the other hand, private schools like Abdul Aziz Private School offer better routines and curriculum, but the costs are insurmountable for most, such as Zahra Saleh, whose husband is unemployed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the current state of school buildings in Gaza?
Answer: 93% of school buildings are either damaged or require complete reconstruction.
Question 2: How are children currently learning?
Answer: Many are attending temporary learning spaces in tents or participating in volunteer-led initiatives.
