Children in Gaza Risk Their Lives for Education in Tents

A New Reality for the Youth in Gaza

In a small tent, overshadowed by the sound of nearby gunfire, seven-year-old Tulin prepares for her first day of school in two years. For most children, this would be a moment of joy, but for Tulin and her mother, it is a new and frightening adventure. The unending war in Israel has led to the destruction of most educational infrastructure in Gaza, forcing families to improvise "tent schools" near Israeli forces—an area marked by Israel as the "yellow zone," often just meters away from danger.

“Until my daughter reaches school, I feel my heart in my throat,” said Tulin's mother. “Many times, I find myself watching her involuntarily until she gets to school. I feel it is something [dangerous], but I want her to learn,” she added.

A Treacherous Journey

The journey to class is fraught with peril. As she walks through the ruins of Beit Lahiya, Tulin admits she is afraid of open spaces. “When I go to school, I am scared of gunfire,” says Tulin. “I don’t find a wall to hide behind so that shells or stray bullets do not hit us.” Inside the tents, protection is lacking. The fabric walls cannot stop bullets, but the students stay on the ground, determined to learn.

Classes Interrupted by Gunfire

“The location is difficult, close to the occupying forces,” explained the teacher. “When gunfire starts, I tell the children: ‘Take the sleeping position.’ I get chills down my spine, praying that no accidents happen. I make them lie on the ground until the firing stops.”

“We have been exposed to gunfire several times,” she added. “Despite this, we remain. The occupation's policy is ignorance, and our policy is knowledge.”

An Educational System in Collapse

The desperate scenarios in Beit Lahiya reflect a broader collapse of the educational system in the enclave. Kazem Abu Khalaf, spokesperson for UNICEF in Palestine, described the situation as “one of the greatest catastrophes.” According to him, 98% of all schools in Gaza have suffered various degrees of damage, with some completely destroyed, and 88% require either full rehabilitation or total reconstruction.

Trauma and Communication Difficulties

Over 638,000 school-aged children and 70,000 kindergarten children have lost two complete school years and are entering a third year of deprivation. UNICEF teams have observed severe developmental regressions among children, with approximately 25% experiencing speech difficulties.

Material Challenges

Since the outbreak of war in October 2023, nearly no educational materials have been allowed into Gaza, further complicating the educational process. UNICEF is preparing a “Back to Learning” campaign aimed at 200,000 children, focusing on Arabic, English, mathematics, and science, along with recreational activities.

However, the success of any campaign depends on the lifting of restrictions by Israel. “We are communicating with all parties, including the Israeli side, to allow educational materials to enter,” Abu Khalaf emphasized. “It is not in anyone's interest for a child in Gaza to be kept from school.”