Gaza Children Return to School, Rekindling Hope After Years of War
After two years of devastating conflict, Gaza children return to school with courage and hope. Their classrooms still show signs of destruction. However, their desire to learn remains strong, proving that education can rebuild even the deepest wounds.
At the Deir al-Balah Joint Elementary School, run by UNRWA, students share simple but powerful dreams. “We need notebooks, books, and pens. We want to get our lives back,” said Sham Al-Abd, one of the young learners. The same building that once sheltered families from airstrikes now echoes with laughter and lessons once again.
A New Beginning Through Education
UNRWA’s “Return to Learning” program combines classroom and online education to reach thousands of displaced children. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said education restores dignity and stability to Gaza’s communities. Today, over 62,000 children attend temporary schools, while 300,000 more study online with support from 8,000 teachers.
However, challenges remain. Many schools still serve as shelters for displaced families. Corridors are crowded with cooking pots, and classrooms lack chairs or supplies. Yet the learning spirit thrives. Children study Arabic, English, and mathematics, believing that education is their only path toward a brighter future.
UNRWA spokesperson Inas Hamdam reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to education for all. “Every child deserves a chance at life, dignity, and learning,” she said. As lessons resume across Gaza, hope slowly replaces despair. The laughter of students signals the rise of a resilient generation determined to rebuild their lives, one classroom at a time.
