Temporary Learning Spaces a Haven for Gaza's Children
Children living through a brutal war in Gaza find comfort and hope in temporary learning spaces where they can study, play and just be kids for a while.
After more than a year of war in the Gaza Strip, around 1.9 million people — about 9 in 10 of Gaza's population — are internally displaced. Half of them are children, many forced to move multiple times. They've lost homes, parents and loved ones. There are no safe spaces, and not enough access to water, food, fuel or medicine.
85 percent of Gaza's schools have been damaged or destroyed by bombardment in the past year
For children caught in an unfolding crisis, school can be a refuge, a familiar place where they can learn and play with other kids, and begin to heal from the traumatic effects of war.
But children in Gaza have been out of school since October 2023. In the past year, air strikes have damaged or destroyed 85 percent of Gaza's school buildings. The need for shelter is so great that schools that are still standing are being used to house internally displaced people.
To help Gaza's children continue their education and provide a much-needed sense of normalcy, UNICEF and partners have established 39 temporary learning spaces for more than 12,400 young learners.
In addition, recreational activities, emergency learning kits, and mental health and psychosocial support are being offered to children, youth, caregivers and teachers in shelters.
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Every child has the right to a quality education and a safe and healthy childhood
“We must find ways to restart learning and rebuild schools to uphold the right to education of the next generations in the State of Palestine,” says UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Adele Khodr. “Children need stability to cope with the trauma they have experienced, and the opportunity to develop and reach their full potential.”
"I'm happy because I'm starting to return to school," says Duaa, one of a group of enthusiastic 9-year-olds attending a temporary learning space in a high-performance tent. "I study Arabic, math and science."
I'm happy because I'm learning again. I hope the war stops, and we can return to our homes, so we can rebuild and live in them. — Rahaf, 9
"Here, I attend classes and write. I usually tell my family about my day here, " adds Mohammad, 9. "My mom always encourages me. I love this school. I have friends now."
"I'm happy because I'm learning again," 9-year-old Rahaf says simply. "I hope the war stops, and we can return to our homes, so we can rebuild and live in them."
Learn more about UNICEF's support for young learners in the Gaza Strip.
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