Gaza Risks 'Lost Generation' Due to Ruined Schools
With Gaza's education system shattered by two years of war, UNICEF's regional director warns of a 'lost generation' of children.
Jerusalem: With Gaza's education system in shambles following two years of grueling conflict, the regional director of UNICEF for the Middle East and North Africa has expressed concern over a potential "lost generation" of children amidst the rubble.
Edouard Beigbeder emphasized that this marks the third year with no formal schooling, warning that entering a fourth year would inevitably lead to discussions about an entire generation being lost.
The destruction is widespread, with nearly 80% of the territory severely damaged or destroyed, making it difficult to envision a return to normalcy.
Although a ceasefire has been implemented, allowing UNICEF and other educational partners to establish temporary learning centers for approximately one-sixth of children who should be in school, Beigbeder noted that this falls short of providing formal education.
These centers are often makeshift structures using metal, plastic sheeting, or tents, with salvaged materials serving as tables and writing surfaces.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains dire, with 85% of schools either destroyed or rendered unusable.
Many standing buildings have been converted into shelters for displaced individuals, complicating efforts to restore education.
Prior to the conflict, Gaza's school system was already overcrowded due to a high pre-war population of minors.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has launched an "e-learning school year" aiming to reach 290,000 pupils.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused UNRWA of being a 'subsidiary of Hamas' and announced the organization would not play a role in post-war Gaza's reconstruction.
According to Beigbeder, prioritizing education is crucial for rebuilding social cohesion among traumatized children who require psychological support.
A significant focus is placed on obtaining permissions to import construction materials and educational supplies through border crossings, which have been previously blocked as non-essential items.
The conflict has severely disrupted supply chains, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The World Health Organization reported a slight improvement in aid deliveries since the ceasefire but noted an ongoing scarcity of essential goods such as cement, notebooks, and textbooks necessary for rebuilding classrooms and restoring educational programs.
Beigbeder underscored the contrast between the necessity of food for survival and the importance of education as a source of hope.
The challenges facing Gaza's education system highlight the urgent need to address infrastructure, materials, and psychological support to prevent the loss of an entire generation.
Edouard Beigbeder emphasized that this marks the third year with no formal schooling, warning that entering a fourth year would inevitably lead to discussions about an entire generation being lost.
The destruction is widespread, with nearly 80% of the territory severely damaged or destroyed, making it difficult to envision a return to normalcy.
Although a ceasefire has been implemented, allowing UNICEF and other educational partners to establish temporary learning centers for approximately one-sixth of children who should be in school, Beigbeder noted that this falls short of providing formal education.
These centers are often makeshift structures using metal, plastic sheeting, or tents, with salvaged materials serving as tables and writing surfaces.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains dire, with 85% of schools either destroyed or rendered unusable.
Many standing buildings have been converted into shelters for displaced individuals, complicating efforts to restore education.
Prior to the conflict, Gaza's school system was already overcrowded due to a high pre-war population of minors.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has launched an "e-learning school year" aiming to reach 290,000 pupils.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused UNRWA of being a 'subsidiary of Hamas' and announced the organization would not play a role in post-war Gaza's reconstruction.
According to Beigbeder, prioritizing education is crucial for rebuilding social cohesion among traumatized children who require psychological support.
A significant focus is placed on obtaining permissions to import construction materials and educational supplies through border crossings, which have been previously blocked as non-essential items.
The conflict has severely disrupted supply chains, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The World Health Organization reported a slight improvement in aid deliveries since the ceasefire but noted an ongoing scarcity of essential goods such as cement, notebooks, and textbooks necessary for rebuilding classrooms and restoring educational programs.
Beigbeder underscored the contrast between the necessity of food for survival and the importance of education as a source of hope.
The challenges facing Gaza's education system highlight the urgent need to address infrastructure, materials, and psychological support to prevent the loss of an entire generation.
