School in tents. Half a million children in Gaza are back in class
Mariusz Gabriel B.editor-in-chiefSchool in tents. Half a million children in Gaza are back in class
After almost three years, children in Gaza are back in class – often in tents, without desks or chairs. Almost 98 per cent of school buildings are damaged.
THE BUSINESS TIMEVIDEOThe school year began in the Gaza Strip on 19 September 2026. According to the Palestinian education ministry, about 541,000 pupils returned to in-person learning. For many of them it was their first real lesson in almost three years.
Classrooms without walls
According to UNICEF, almost 98 per cent of school buildings in Gaza have been damaged since October 2023, and over 93 per cent need major repair or rebuilding. That is why lessons take place in tents and temporary rooms – often without desks, chairs or teaching materials. Inaam al-Batreekhi, head teacher of one of the schools, says that all the schools have become tents.
Lost years
About 700,000 children aged 4 to 17 have lost almost three years of in-person schooling, and about 420,000 had no classroom lessons at all during that time. UNICEF supports teachers and sets up temporary learning spaces.
Sources
THE BUSINESS TIME is not a publisher or representative of UNICEF. We publish the materials with the permission of UNICEF Poland, for the good of children, in accordance with the press and publishing law of England and Wales.
