Temporary Learning Spaces in Gaza: A Lifeline for Education Amidst Ongoing War

Understanding the Challenges Facing Gaza's Children 

Gaza is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. For decades, it has been a focal point of conflict, resulting in a persistent state of instability for the inhabitants. Over the past two years, this instability has reached a critical point. The ongoing war has disrupted the daily lives of the population, leading to widespread destruction, with a particular impact on children and their access to education.

The war has not only resulted in the destruction of residential and public infrastructure but has also led to the devastation of numerous educational facilities. Frequently, families are compelled to relocate from one area to another in search of safety from the ongoing war. As a result, thousands of children in Gaza have been unable to attend regular schools, thus missing out on education—a basic right essential for their future. The combination of destroyed schools and the continuous displacement of families has severely set back children's education in Gaza. Currently, only approximately 7% of Gaza's children have access to temporary learning spaces, which are small, makeshift classrooms organized by humanitarian and educational organizations. These temporary spaces represent a rare opportunity for children to continue learning amidst the ongoing crisis.

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PS4L’s Commitment to Education Amid War

In this challenging environment, organizations like Palestine Sports for Life (PS4L) are making a significant impact. PS4L is part of the Education Cluster, a coalition of groups dedicated to supporting displaced and vulnerable children in Gaza. Even with the constant instability, PS4L has managed to reach more than 1,000 children, providing them with access to education that otherwise would be out of reach. In addition to providing recreational activities for +25000 children.

PS4L’s temporary learning spaces are strategically located in areas where people displaced to Deir al-Balah,  Khan Younis, Dar Al-Amal in Gaza City. In these spaces, children can learn essential subjects like English, Arabic, and Mathematics, allowing them to continue their education even as their surroundings remain in turmoil. These efforts are about more than just academics; they are about giving children stability, hope, and a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unpredictable world.

Creating Safe Spaces for Learning

PS4L’s temporary learning spaces are carefully designed to be more than simple classrooms. They are intended as safe spaces where children can escape the trauma of conflict, focus on learning, and feel a sense of security. These environments are equipped with the necessary learning materials, and PS4L’s coaches receive specialized training to address the specific challenges faced by children who have lived through conflict.

Each child’s educational needs are assessed individually, allowing educators to tailor lessons to the appropriate level. This ensures that children can effectively learn core subjects, which will be crucial for their future education and development. Beyond academics, PS4L’s approach acknowledges the emotional toll the conflict has taken. It aims to support the children's psychological well-being as much as their academic progress, providing a holistic approach to their development.

The Impact of PS4L’s Efforts in Gaza

The temporary learning spaces run by PS4L have become a source of optimism for children who have been unable to attend conventional educational institutions for an extended period. By concentrating on the essential academic disciplines, PS4L assists these children in restoring their self-assurance and paving the way for them to catch up with their academic peers. However, the organization's work is not solely focused on education; it also encompasses the rebuilding of children's resilience, the fostering of hope, and the restoration of a sense of normalcy in an environment that is largely characterized by conflict. While only a small proportion of Gaza's children currently have access to these spaces, PS4L and other groups within the Education Cluster illustrate the potential of collaboration. The organization remains committed to reaching a greater number of children, assisting them in developing the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the present and to build a brighter future.

Education as a Beacon of Hope in Uncertain Times

For Gaza’s children, education is not merely about learning facts and figures—it is a lifeline. In a region where uncertainty and violence are part of daily life, PS4L's work stands out as a powerful commitment to the idea that every child, no matter where they are, deserves the right to learn. By setting up temporary learning spaces amidst the destruction, PS4L is providing more than education; it is offering stability, resilience, and the chance to dream of a better future.

In Gaza, where conflict frequently dominates daily life, organizations like PS4L serve as emblems of resilience and resolve. These provisional learning environments are not merely provisional solutions; they are beacons of hope, ensuring that even during the most challenging periods, the children of Gaza have the opportunity to learn, grow, and envision a more promising future for themselves and their communities. Through education, PS4L is upholding the promise of a brighter tomorrow for Gaza's youngest and most vulnerable.

About the author

Tamara Awartani is the founder and director of Palestine: Sport for Life and Sport for Development Consultant | LinkedIn