During the recent conflict more than 160 schools in Gaza were damaged. This has seriously affected children’s ability to access a decent education. Some schools are still operating a triple shift system, which is compromising the education provided by the teachers. There is a great need for schools to be repaired and provided teaching and learning materials.
Mahmoud Aldous attends the Al-Zohoor school in the west of Gaza. This school was seriously damaged during the fighting and is now being repaired by Islamic Relief.
“My favourite subject is English and when I am older I want to study abroad,” said 12-year –old Aldous.
“When I returned to school after the war I found that the windows were broken and the walls were damaged. Then I went to find my friend who I used to sit next to, but he was no longer there because he had been killed.”
Aldous said, “The days during the war were very frightening and I really wish I could live in a safe place.” The conflict has seriously affected all the children in Aldous’ school, many of whom had their homes destroyed. The teachers have noted that many are suffering from trauma and find it difficult to concentrate or are violent towards each other.
The art teacher said, “After the war the school organised support session and psychosocial activities such as art classes. I noticed that many of the pictures the students had drawn were of tanks, bombs and destruction.”
Islamic Relief provided psychosocial support to thousands of children in schools throughout Gaza after the war to help them deal with the trauma they had experienced.
Education is important for children who are traumatised as it provides them with stability and a sense of normality. However, it is important that they have a pleasant place in which to study.
The head teacher of Aldous’ school Zaki Kheil said, “After the war we had to put nylon over the broken windows, but now Islamic Relief has mended the windows, repaired the walls and painted the bathrooms.”
Aldous said, “We had to take our exams but we couldn’t study surrounded by such destruction. But the new school environment makes us feel motivated and we all want to study now.”