Kinderen in Gaza keren terug ‘naar school’ te midden van ruïne en trauma

After more than two years of suspended education in Gaza due to war and destruction, thousands of children have begun returning to classrooms—or what remains of them. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), approximately 300,000 students and 8,000 teaching teams are resuming education. However, the situation remains precarious, with over 85% of school buildings reportedly damaged or destroyed. Many children are returning to makeshift learning spaces, such as tents, remote shelters, or emergency government facilities, transforming the traditional classroom setting into improvised environments. For many, this return marks the beginning of recovery—restoring routine, hope, and a sense of childhood that was stripped away. Yet, the scars of war persist, with widespread trauma, hunger, malnutrition, and the loss of parents or educators. The resumption of schooling is seen as an act of resilience and a critical step toward rebuilding. Education is not merely about lessons; it represents safety, normalcy, and the promise of a future.