Keeping learning alive: restoring schools in Gaza

The destruction of Palestinian lives and livelihoods is impossible to fully comprehend.

In addition to the death, injury and trauma experienced by many thousands of Gazans, over $18 billion in infrastructure damage has accumulated and millions of tonnes of rubble will take decades to remove and process.

Given our longstanding presence in Gaza, Humaniti responded immediately in October 2023, with our partners mobilizing and delivering critical support from day one. We are constantly adjusting and scaling efforts in response to unpredictable challenges in this extremely high-stakes environment.

While it remains critical to provide survivors with basic necessities like food, clean water, shelter and medical care, it is so important that the necessity of education not be neglected.

Through the first half of 2025 Humaniti and our partners established two education centres serving approximately 150 students each. In addition to creating and preparing the space for these centres, we also provided the required materials and funding to sustain their operations.

Thanks to donor contributions we were able to furnish the education centres with tables, chairs, whiteboards and markers. We were also able to supply the students with school bags and sportswear. 

One key element of a school’s operation is people to teach the students so this project also included the provision of salaries for 14 qualified teachers. 

In addition to facilitating class time for students and teachers, we also organized recreational activities to boost emotional, physical and social well-being, as well as psychological support, which is critical for these students who have experienced extreme levels of trauma.

Finally, this project a involved media coverage. We were able to use some of the funding provided by our donors to spread awareness of this project and highlight the importance of educational continuity in conflict zones.

Education benefits people immediately by improving knowledge, skills, and job opportunities. It boosts confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Long-term, it leads to higher income, better health, and economic stability. Education also empowers communities, reduces poverty, and fosters innovation, creating a more prosperous and informed society for future generations. 

While it may not seem like a life-or-death form of support, education is essential to the health and longevity of communities and a high priority for survivors in Gaza to feel strength and hope for rebuilding their future.