Learning Against All Odds in Gaza

For children in Gaza, school is more than a place for learning. It's a refuge, a source of stability and a critical link to a brighter future. But during the recent devastating war, schools across the territory became shelters for displaced families. Education in Gaza came to a sudden halt, leaving children disconnected from learning and routine.

An Anera temporary learning space in Gaza.

Determined to keep education alive even in the darkest moments, Anera's Gaza staff quickly mobilized efforts to create temporary learning spaces and provide crucial educational resources from our Hayya Naqra ("Let's Read") literacy initiative. This program, already a cornerstone of Anera's work in Gaza, has provided children and families with some of the materials they need for learning, and returning to sort of normalcy.

Temporary Learning Spaces are a Safe Haven for Education

In the midst of the war, Anera established temporary learning spaces in shelters and community centers. Using durable tents and repurposed public buildings, these makeshift classrooms are providing a supportive environment where children can reconnect with their studies. Coordinating closely with local partners, we ensure these spaces adhere to safety protocols, carefully selecting locations in areas less likely to be targeted or bombed, while also integrating psychosocial support to help children process their trauma.

These temporary learning spaces were made possible through the generous support of Embrace and The Ghiath and Nadia Sukhtian Foundation. The Hayya Naqra bags were funded by IRC. Their support, alongside yours, have been essential in sustaining these critical educational efforts.

Two girls in a temporary learning space in Gaza proudly hold red book bags filled with scholastic materials from Anera's Hayya Naqra program.

These learning spaces have featured materials from Anera's Hayya Naqra literacy kits, designed to engage young minds through interactive, student-centered learning. The kits include:

• Arabic-language storybooks to inspire a love of reading.
• Flashcards and literacy games to strengthen foundational skills.
• Art and writing supplies to encourage creativity and self-expression.

These resources, combined with dynamic teaching strategies, have allowed children to continue their education, even when everything else seems uncertain.

This young student is excited to receive his Hayya Naqra literacy kit, giving him the tools to continue his studies.

Scaling Up for Recovery

With the ceasefire now in place, Anera is shifting from emergency response to recovery and rebuilding.

Our next steps focus on scaling up temporary learning spaces and expanding access to Hayya Naqra kits. This means:

• Establishing more temporary learning centers in communities where schools are destroyed or still crowded with displaced families.
• Training teachers and volunteers to deliver engaging lessons using Hayya Naqra materials as well as other educational materials brought in by Anera.
• Distributing additional literacy packs to reach thousands more children, ensuring access to books, supplies and educational games that encourage learning.
• Incorporating psychosocial support into all educational activities to help children recover from the trauma of war.

We are also working to strengthen partnerships with local education authorities and international organizations to secure sustainable funding for these expanded efforts, including exploring mobile classrooms to reach children in remote or heavily impacted areas.

Supporting Education by Meeting Basic Needs

Education cannot thrive in isolation. A hungry child cannot focus on lessons, and a family worried about shelter or healthcare will struggle to prioritize school attendance. Anera's comprehensive response addresses the full spectrum of needs to create an environment where children can learn and grow.

Proper nutrition fuels young minds. During the war, Anera's community kitchens served thousands of hot, nutritious meals to displaced families, while fresh produce parcels provided essential sustenance. These efforts ensured children had the energy to engage in learning, even amidst chaos. At the same time, Anera supported families who lost their homes by distributing tarps, diapers, and winter clothing kits, creating a sense of stability and safety that allowed education to remain a priority.

Healthcare and hygiene are equally critical. Anera's healthcare centers treated thousands for wounds and chronic conditions, while hygiene kits and menstrual pads helped students, especially girls, avoid disruptions to their schooling. To address the emotional toll of conflict, Anera integrates psychosocial support into its education programs, helping children heal from trauma, build resilience, and gain the confidence to succeed. Together, these efforts create a supportive foundation where education can flourish.

Baby wipes, pads, toilet paper and other hygiene products for women and girls in Gaza.

Education Matters Now More Than Ever

For Gaza's children, returning to school is a vital step toward reclaiming safety, joy, independence and hope. Palestinians are among the most educated people in the world, using education as a powerful tool for advancement and resilience. Now it is our turn to honor their commitment to learning by living up to their educational work ethic and determination, ensuring that every child has access to the opportunities they deserve.

With your support, Anera can expand temporary learning spaces, distribute more Hayya Naqra kits and strengthen Gaza's education system for the future. Together, let's ensure that learning doesn't just continue-it thrives, even in the toughest of times.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.