Sweet dreams

Fourteen-year-old Fadiya Abu Hadayid wants to be a teacher when she is older. Her favourite subjects are English and Maths and she loves school. Sadly, Fadiya’s dreams are likely to go unrealised as her parents can no longer afford her school fees.

Her sisters went to free United Nations-ran primary schools and when the time came for them to go to high school they were forced to drop out. Fadiya is worried that the same thing will happen to her.

Fadiya is clever and ambitious and gets good marks at school. Her father Mohammed would like her to continue her education, but he barely affords to feed his family.

“Fifteen years ago I worked as a builder and I had money to build a home and to support my family. I have been unemployed for years now. We are not allowed to work inside Israel and there is no construction in the Gaza Strip.

“My family lives on piled-up loans. I am embarrassed standing in queues to get aid. I am broke and ashamed when I see my debtors,” says Mohammed.

Mohammed has trouble sleeping. He lies awake thinking of ways to offer his family a decent life and a better future. He also suffers from depression.

Like thousands of other families living in the Gaza Strip Fadiya’s family depend on international humanitarian aid, but Fadiya dreams of a normal life.

“When there is electricity in the evening we sit together and watch TV. I see children eating lovely food like sweets and chocolate. I would love to eat such things but my dad can’t buy them. I like beans and pasta but I get bored of them.

Fadiya’s mother does her best by making low-cost treats for the family. She also brings money into the home by selling the items she makes.

“Mum does make nice food and she also helps make some money. She makes iced juice to sell to the school children. I like this juice too.

“I want to continue my education and not to leave school like my sisters,” says Fadiya.