UNICEF has intensified its efforts to restore education for children in Gaza, aiming to bring all 650,000 school-aged children back into classrooms for in-person learning.
The task is enormous, the agency says, due to extensive destruction across the region. Tess Ingram, a UNICEF spokesperson, explained that significant obstacles remain before schools can fully reopen.
“We need more space. We’ve got to clear the massive amounts of rubble that now cover large parts of Gaza and make sure that there are no unexploded ordnance that present a risk to children,” Ingram said.
In addition to clearing debris, temporary structures must be erected and damaged classrooms repaired. The agency is working to ensure that children can return to a safe learning environment as quickly as possible.
UNICEF’s efforts are part of a broader push to protect children’s rights and maintain access to education in conflict-affected areas. The organization emphasizes that schooling is not only essential for learning but also provides stability and psychological support for children facing trauma.
Officials note that progress depends on continued humanitarian access, resources, and cooperation with local authorities to secure safe and functioning school facilities.
Despite the challenges, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children in Gaza can resume education and regain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.
