Gaza: The Government Operations Room for Emergency Interventions in the Gaza Strip unveiled a comprehensive operational relief and early recovery plan for the education sector in the region. This plan forms part of ongoing efforts to update sectoral strategies in collaboration with Arab and international partners, as well as UN agencies.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the presentation took place during a special meeting attended by key figures, including Minister of Education and Higher Education Amjad Barham, Jordan's Ambassador to Palestine Issam Bdour, Ireland's Ambassador William McLaughlin, and Ali Abu Zuhri, the Ministry's Undersecretary and Chairman of the Palestinian National Committee for Education, Culture and Science. Representatives from partner countries, international and local organizations, and education sector stakeholders were also present.
Minister Barham emphasized the swift actions taken by the Ministry to uphold students' right to education in the wake of the aggression. Initiatives like virtual schooling, educational centers in shelters, and university support programs were launched, offering hope to hundreds of thousands of learners. Despite the challenges, the Tawjihi examinations were conducted successfully for two cohorts, with 56,000 students passing. Results for students born in 2007 are set to be announced next Thursday.
Barham acknowledged the crucial support from Jordan, particularly the electronic platform that facilitated high-school examinations under emergency conditions. He highlighted the importance of UNRWA's network of 290 schools in Gaza, which serves nearly 300,000 students. Coordination with UNRWA remains vital to ensure education continues despite the destruction and shortages.
University support programs are ongoing, benefiting approximately 58,000 students in Gaza and around 2,000 students abroad. This is crucial as most university buildings have been destroyed, making access difficult for students.
Samah Hamad, Head of the Operations Room, reiterated the commitment to coordinate efforts among government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners for an effective response supporting relief and early recovery in Gaza. The Operations Room is working on sector-specific plans in collaboration with relevant ministries and international organizations to ensure coordinated interventions and resource allocation.
Barham pointed out the unprecedented destruction in the education sector, with more than 18,000 school students and 780 teachers killed during the aggression. Ministry data indicates that 82% of government schools sustained damage, and more than 90% of higher education institutes were affected. The Ministry recorded significant losses of academic and administrative staff, with many displaced or missing.
Challenges to restoring education include Israel's prevention of educational supplies from entering Gaza, infrastructure damage, and severe academic staff shortages. Barham called for urgent international funding and pressure on Israel to allow school supplies into Gaza and support rubble removal.
Wissam Nakhleh, the Ministry's representative in the Operations Room, detailed the relief and recovery plan, which includes establishing temporary classrooms and educational tents, and expanding in-person education. The plan also encompasses distance learning initiatives and developing specialized virtual platforms for university students.
The Ministry's goals include securing safe learning environments, providing essential educational materials, and offering psychosocial support for students and teachers. It aims to resume higher education through technological solutions, ensuring students can complete academic requirements.
