More than half a million Gaza students start the school year, many back in a classroom for the first time in three years
The Palestinian Ministry of Education reopened the first in-person schools on 19 September and plans about 700 learning sites across the Strip. Many lessons take place in tents, but children are sitting together to learn again.
On 19 September, the first day of the school year, Gaza’s first in-person schools since 2023 opened their doors: an UNRWA school in Nuseirat refugee camp and two government schools in Gaza City. Thousands more students went back to class at temporary learning sites across the Strip.
The numbers
- About 541,000 students are taking part in education programmes this year, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Education, more than last year. About 100,000 attend UNRWA schools.
- The ministry plans to reach about 700 learning sites and open 25 temporary schools soon.
- Those who can’t reach a classroom keep learning remotely.
Learning in a tent
In a camp built in Gaza City, the Jawazat school teaches about 600 pupils, from kindergarten to ninth grade, in four canvas tents. It was started by a father, Ahmed Abu al-Qombuz, who began teaching his own children and his neighbours’ outdoors. It now has eight teachers of Arabic, English, science and maths, and desks built from aid pallets.
“They are not pushed anymore. They are running towards whatever is left standing,” says maths teacher Rana Abu Qumboz. Mariam Helles, 12, wants to be a doctor. “I want to study normally again and stay with my classmates,” says Osama Abu Al-Subh, also 12.
The context
The war destroyed or damaged 98% of Gaza’s schools, according to UNICEF. Chairs, books and supplies are scarce: a notebook costs three times what it used to, so many children sit on the floor. Going back to class, says psychologist Rawan Ahmed, helps children rebuild routine and stability.
