Gaza Families Face Costly Education Dilemma

In the displacement camps of central Gaza, parents are confronted with a stark educational dilemma. For many families displaced from northern Gaza by recent hostilities, the option of enrolling children in private schools has become financially prohibitive. According to Al Jazeera English, this economic pressure forces a choice between expensive private tuition and public alternatives that often lack basic infrastructure.

Khadija Abu Qados, a mother in Deir el-Balah, describes the daily struggle of preparing her children for school in these conditions. Her family, like thousands of others, resides in a tent after their home in Sheikh Radwan was destroyed. While she expresses a desire for her daughters to attend private institutions, the immediate need for food and water makes even modest fees for volunteer-run schools difficult to sustain.

Learning in inadequate facilities

The current reality for many students involves studying in temporary structures rather than permanent classrooms. At schools like Elyaa’ School, students sit on mattresses and carpets due to a shortage of desks and chairs. The lack of ventilation systems makes concentration difficult in the heat, and basic supplies like stationery have become luxuries for struggling families.

Despite these harsh conditions, volunteer teachers report high demand for enrollment. Noha Khadra, a former teacher who opened a field school in January, notes that over 1,100 students have registered. However, the school operates with only 40 staff members, creating a significant strain on resources and administrative capacity during the initial months of operation.

Systemic collapse of education infrastructure

The individual experiences of families reflect a broader systemic crisis. UNICEF data indicates that approximately 700,000 children have missed formal, face-to-face schooling for nearly three consecutive years. The physical infrastructure for education has suffered severe damage, with only two percent of school buildings remaining undamaged and the majority requiring major repairs or complete reconstruction.

Safety remains a critical concern for families navigating this educational landscape. Reports indicate that at least 300 children have been killed since last October, including recent incidents during commutes to and from school. This persistent threat complicates the decision for parents to send their children to any form of learning environment.

Challenges for displaced families

The financial burden of education in Gaza has intensified amid a crippling economic crisis. Prices for basic necessities have risen sharply, making even low-cost educational fees a heavy strain on household budgets. Parents report that the cost of a single notebook can now consume a significant portion of their limited daily income.

As the formal education system remains largely non-functional, community-led initiatives have stepped in to fill the gap. These volunteer efforts provide a critical service but operate with minimal support. The long-term sustainability of these makeshift schools remains uncertain as the region continues to face economic and security challenges.