The High Cost of Education in Gaza: Families Struggle Between Survival and Learning

Introduction

When Khadija Abu Qados and her family fled their home in northern Gaza after an Israeli airstrike, they found themselves not just displaced but also separated from the life they once knew. The new school year had barely begun, yet for many like her, it meant another chapter of hardship — one that would test every parent's resolve.

The situation is not unique to this family; across Gaza, children are being taught in makeshift classrooms made from tents and improvised materials, their future uncertain. But beyond the visible challenges lies a deeper issue: how can families afford education when survival itself is at stake?

"If I could afford it, I would send them to private school," said Khadija, who lives in Deir el-Balah with her two daughters, Jouri and Ritaj. "But there are so many basic needs that come first."

The Collapse of Formal Education

For nearly three years now, Gaza has been under the grip of a war that has devastated infrastructure, including its education system. According to UNICEF, around 700,000 children between the ages of four and seventeen have missed formal, face-to-face schooling for almost three consecutive school years since October 2023.

Only two percent of all school buildings remain undamaged — a stark reminder that even the most basic structures are no longer safe. With more than 93% requiring major repairs or full reconstruction, and nearly half a million children unable to access any form of in-person learning, the crisis is not just about missing lessons — it's about the erosion of future possibilities.

Education in Tents: A Survival Strategy

In response to this crisis, countless volunteers have stepped up to keep education alive. One such example is the Elyaa' School in Deir el-Balah, which operates from a tented facility with limited furniture and resources.

Noha Khadra, who spent over a decade teaching before opening the school in January 2024, described the early days: "At the beginning, there were no tables. The children were sitting on mattresses."

• More than 1,100 students are enrolled in the school, but with only 40 volunteer teachers and administrative staff, each child receives minimal attention.
• Classrooms lack even basic amenities like air conditioning, forcing children to study in sweltering heat.
• Students often arrive without supplies, so the school must provide notebooks and other essentials themselves.

This isn't just a story of poor conditions; it's one of desperation. In the face of systemic collapse, these educators are working with limited resources to maintain continuity for students who may never again see traditional classrooms.

Private Schools: A Luxury Many Cannot Afford

While public and informal schools struggle, some families are turning to private institutions — albeit at a cost. For many, this means paying monthly fees that are unaffordable during times of extreme financial hardship.

Zahra Saleh, a young mother, enrolled her children in the Abdul Aziz Private School, where tuition costs around 400 shekels ($131) per month — a sum that strains most households. In order to reduce the burden, Zahra took on teaching duties at the school herself.

"I taught him at home as much as I could, but children don't learn everything at home. In the end, we had to send him to a school," said Zahra.

The financial pressure is intense. School supplies, once inexpensive, have become prohibitively expensive — a single notebook now costs six shekels, up from just one before the war. For families living on the edge, this means difficult decisions: spend on education or on food?

Unemployment and Economic Collapse

The educational crisis in Gaza is deeply intertwined with a broader economic collapse. With over 90% of working-age people unemployed and GDP contracting by 84% since 2023, families are facing unprecedented poverty.

Doaa Qdeih, director of Abdul Aziz Private School, recognizes the severity of this problem and has adapted her approach to accommodate parents' financial situations:

"I don't set a fixed amount. Before I set the amount, I look at the situation of the people — what they do for work and what the child's circumstances are — and then we decide what they can afford."

Some families contribute more than others, while some pay nothing at all — a system of mutual support that reflects both solidarity and desperation.

The Role of the State and International Aid

As education crumbles, there's growing demand for governmental solutions. But for now, schools like Abdul Aziz operate on a shoestring budget, funded largely through private efforts and community donations.

"We don't want anything in return. We just want to continue serving the children and give them the education they deserve," said Doaa Qdeih.

The irony of the current situation is palpable: parents are forced to choose between sending their children to school or keeping them safe at home — a choice that has profound implications for both present and future generations.

Looking Forward

As Gaza's humanitarian needs continue to mount, the international community must grapple with how to support not only immediate survival but also long-term recovery, including rebuilding its educational infrastructure. The stories of families like Khadija's remind us that behind every statistic lies a human cost — one that cannot be ignored.

In the coming months, we will see if policies shift toward addressing root causes rather than temporary fixes. Until then, the children of Gaza continue to learn — sometimes in the shadows, often with limited resources, always with courage.