KHAN YUNIS, (PIC)
Amid the widespread destruction of Gaza’s education sector, local initiatives are trying to fill the gap left by the war by offering alternative learning opportunities for displaced children.
Among these efforts is the “Read” initiative in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, which seeks to keep education alive despite harsh conditions.
The initiative is being carried out inside displacement tents in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Yunis, where children gather alongside their mothers in learning circles aimed at restoring basic reading and writing skills, while also providing psychological and social support, according to Al-Jazeera Mubasher.
Mustafa Thaher, the founder of the initiative and one of its supervisors, said the project was launched in response to the educational decline suffered by displaced children as a result of the war and repeated displacement.
He said the initiative serves around 180 male and female students divided into three learning groups.
Thaher noted that the project is not limited to academic support, but also seeks to help children psychologically after many were deprived of education for long periods and lost part of their basic skills.
The initiative faces many challenges, including a shortage of desks, stationery and teaching materials, as well as the difficulty of holding classes inside tents and under harsh weather conditions. Still, organizers say the continuation of education itself is a form of resilience.
Teacher Najah Awwad, who participates in the initiative, said the learning process relies on simple and interactive methods that help children learn letters and basic concepts in a way suited to their current reality.
She added that limited space, growing student numbers and a lack of educational tools pose daily challenges, but the strong turnout reflects displaced families’ need to restore education for their children.
Participation in the initiative has not been limited to children. Older women have also joined, motivated by a desire to complete their education and support their children and grandchildren.
Umm Mohammad al-Ajeili said she found in education a window of hope despite losing members of her family during the war, expressing her hope that the suffering would end and life would return to normal.
Umm Taysir also said her participation aims to help her children make up for the education they have missed, calling for greater support for students and teachers under the current conditions.
Children’s testimonies reflected the initiative’s positive impact. Six-year-old Nagham said she can now read and write words after being unable to complete kindergarten because of the war.
Another child, Uswa, said she is learning the Noorani Qaida and hopes proper school seats will be provided, while Louay expressed happiness at learning inside the tent and gaining new knowledge.
The “Read” initiative is part of a series of community-led efforts launched by teachers and volunteers in Gaza to confront the impact of the war on education, after hundreds of schools were destroyed and others turned into shelters.
These efforts aim to preserve children’s right to education despite extremely limited resources.