Education Prevails: Palestinians in Gaza Defy Israel’s Oppression to Continue Studying
Israel is accused of committing a multidimensional genocide in Gaza for the past 7 months, with one dimension being the “educational genocide”. According to government data, 103 schools and universities in Gaza have been destroyed, with 309 schools and universities partially damaged. Despite these challenges, Palestinians in Gaza are determined to continue their education.
A promising project has been launched in Deir al-Belah, a central part of Gaza, to address the educational needs of displaced children. A training tent called “Oku” has been set up among the shelters, bringing hope and smiles to students who have been unable to attend school for months.
The tent was established by the Ruvvad el-Emel (Pioneers of Hope) Education and Training Center in collaboration with teachers. Educator Şakir Durra emphasized the importance of providing education to children in Gaza and called for support from all educational institutions in the area. Approximately 1000 students at the center are expected to benefit from the education provided in the tent.
Chemistry teacher Nuha Hillis, who has received the Global Teacher Award in 2021, expressed her support for the project with the slogan “There is no such thing as impossible”. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that Palestinian students have access to education despite the challenging circumstances.
Arabic teacher Asil Mahmud acknowledged the difficulties of teaching in a tent with limited resources but emphasized the determination of the Palestinian people to remain educated and cultured, even in the face of adversity.
One student, Yasemin, shared her enthusiasm for learning in the tent despite the attacks and hardships they face. She expressed her determination to continue studying and pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician, emphasizing the importance of education even in challenging conditions.
The initiative to provide education in a tent in Gaza is a beacon of hope amidst the destruction and challenges faced by the Palestinian people. It demonstrates their resilience and commitment to learning, despite the obstacles they face.
