Following the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has begun the phased reopening of its schools in the territory, marking the gradual return of children to classes after two years of conflict.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini announced this week that over 25,000 schoolchildren have already joined the agency's "temporary learning spaces." Additionally, approximately 300,000 students are expected to begin online classes soon.
The reopening, though challenging, offers a glimpse of normalcy. At Al Hassaina school in western Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, classes recently resumed despite a severe shortage of available classrooms. Eleven-year-old student Warda Radwan expressed her excitement, noting she had "lost two years of schooling because of displacement and the war." During the two-year conflict, Al Hassaina and many other UNRWA facilities served as shelters for displaced families, whose presence is still evident. Classes are restarting slowly as the facilities are gradually emptied.
In one classroom, around 50 young girls were crammed together, sitting on the floor as there were no desks or chairs.
Despite the lack of resources, students were enthusiastic, eagerly responding to the teacher and copying lessons, happy to be back.
A relative of one student, Jenin Abu Jarad, expressed relief, noting that since October 7, the children had nothing to do but "fetch water, get food, or play in the streets." The gradual reopening of schools over the last week to ten days is a welcome change.
