The Gaza Strip: UNRWA launches “Back to Learning” activities

01 August 2024

UNRWA’s Director of Operations, Scott Anderson visited Khan Younis Preparatory Schools for Boys and Girls as part of UNRWA’s back to learning activities for children in Gaza that were kicked off on 1 August. © 2024 UNRWA Photo

Children in the Gaza Strip make up half the population, or over 1 million people. Since the war began in October last year, they have been witnessing what no child should live through. They were forced to flee their homes and have lost loved ones.

“Children in Gaza are traumatized and shocked” said Scott Anderson, UNRWA Director in Gaza.  “We are launching the back to learning programme today to help children cope and just be children. It will give them safe spaces to play, learn, grow, re-unite with old friends and make new ones” he added.

In its first phase, UNRWA will expand the ongoing psychosocial support activities, focusing on arts, music and sports – as well as raising awareness on the risks of explosive ordnance.

“I feel that my children are returning to a part of their lives they have missed. This is a good chance for my three children to do recreational activities. They have seen enough misery, and they need some fun”, says Rodina, a displaced mother of three living in a shelter in Nuseirat, in Gaza’s middle area.

In its second phase, the programme will transition to include informal learning activities, with reading, writing and math lessons.

“My house was destroyed, and my family went to Rafah; now we are in Khan Younis. My tent is near this shelter. I came to join recreational activities as soon as I heard that this programme was on. I am so happy that I met my friends and teachers” said Reem, (10), displaced multiple times. She joined the activities at one of the UNRWA schools in Khan Younis.

UNRWA plans to provide formal education for children in Gaza as soon as the situation permits. “For this, Gaza urgently needs an immediate, durable ceasefire for the sake of children and their futures.” concluded Anderson.

UNRWA is seeking the support of donors including governments, the private sector, and individuals to support the education programme for children in Gaza.