Love, Learning, and Support for Gaza's Children

Education is a fundamental human right, but how can it be prioritized when basic needs like food and water are difficult to access? This is the challenge that educators in Gaza are facing. With your support, Rebuilding Alliance has been helping teachers, who were once part of our afterschool program, to provide social-emotional support for children.

In January, Rebuilding Alliance purchased tents, desks, tables, and whiteboards to set up temporary classrooms at our shelter [location not disclosed to ensure the safety of our staff]. Unfortunately, most of these supplies were lost during the unprecedented attack in Rafah in March, resulting in a loss of $4,000 worth of educational materials.

While the pop-up school tents were still intact, roughly a dozen children attended the tent regularly to access therapeutic and social support through learning opportunities like art classes, storytelling and guided playtime. The pop-up school was also used as a meeting location for community members and women's groups. 

Nermeen, our amazing art teacher, led the effort and even hosted community events for women and the disabled. She shared the following report:

• A special meeting was held for women from the Ithar Palestine Association for Community Development and Charity, titled 'Psychological Relief Through Play and Drawing.'
• A drawing workshop was held for children by the Tamer Institute for Education, "Painting a Mural."
• A session was held for women before leaving the camp. It was a wonderful day, and Mr. Rafiq made a surprise visit to the camp. He welcomed us all and wished us safety.

"I hope that Rebuilding will continue to offer such activities and support the educational tent.”

In mid-February, Nermeen relocated to Rafah with the bulk of supplies, only to evacuate weeks later when the broken ceasefire forced a mass exodus from Rafah, which reports now show to be a wasteland. RA school supplies were likely destroyed. Fortunately, a dozen or so desks were rescued and remain in RA’s warehouse. 

Right now, it is not safe to gather children due to the heightened risk of being targeted. Movement must be kept to a minimum. Once there is a semblance of safety again, we plan to consolidate the learning program under the Women’s Program Centre, led by our long-time partner, Mrs. Najah. This will allow our teachers immediate access to more resources and an existing education community. RA plans to continue providing the salaries for teachers as well as a monthly stipend for supplies like stationery.

With your support, we can provide a brighter future for Gaza's children through education. Thank you for all that you do.