Significant damage to UNRWA facilities in Gaza impacts educational services for children

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has faced unprecedented challenges in Gaza, with ongoing military operations leading to extensive destruction of its facilities. Before the conflict, these buildings provided essential educational services, but the current situation has forced them to accommodate displaced individuals. Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, highlighted the profound implications of the destruction, emphasizing that the loss of educational infrastructure goes beyond physical buildings; it represents the loss of a safe space for learning and growth for children. With 70% of the remaining school buildings deemed unusable, the agency is grappling with how to restore educational services amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Impact on Educational Services

• Destruction of Facilities: UNRWA reported that two-thirds of its 190 buildings in Gaza have been either damaged or completely destroyed, severely limiting its ability to provide educational services.
• Repurposing of Schools: Many schools that once served as educational centers are now being used as makeshift shelters for displaced families, complicating the situation for both educators and students.

Future of Education

• Challenges Ahead: Even if a ceasefire is achieved, the significant destruction raises questions about how and when children will be able to return to school. The existing infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of the displaced population, further exacerbating educational challenges.
• Long-term Consequences: The ongoing displacement and lack of educational facilities threaten the future of an entire generation of children in Gaza, with potential long-term impacts on their development and opportunities.