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.
95 percent of all schools in the Gaza Strip have been partially or completely 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 95 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.
Watch the video:
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.
Wherever children are in need, UNICEF is there to help. Your contribution can make a difference. Please donate today.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
