UNICEF Aims to Return 330,000 Gaza Children to Learning Amidst Widespread School Damage

Nearly 700,000 school-aged children in Gaza have been deprived of formal, in-person education for approximately three years, according to UNICEF spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf. He stated that children constitute about half of the Gaza Strip's population. Abu Khalaf detailed that approximately 98% of Gaza's school buildings have sustained varying degrees of damage, with over 93% requiring extensive rehabilitation or complete reconstruction. Direct strikes hit around 81% of schools, rendering many unsafe or unusable. Some remaining school buildings have been repurposed as shelters for displaced people, further complicating the return to education.

Educational materials were restricted from entering Gaza for an extended period. A turning point occurred in January 2026 when some supplies began to arrive. In response to the dire state of educational facilities, UNICEF launched a "Return to Learning" campaign, rather than "Return to Schools." This initiative aims to reintegrate approximately 336,000 children into learning environments during 2026. Currently, UNICEF is supporting around 330,000 children through temporary learning spaces established in large tents, in collaboration with other organizations.

These temporary spaces do not offer a full traditional curriculum but focus on core subjects like Arabic, English, mathematics, and science for limited daily hours. Classes operate in shifts to accommodate as many children as possible. While whiteboards and some learning materials are available, and UNICEF has distributed 290,000 school bags, significant challenges remain in providing furniture and equipment. Some initiatives are repurposing wooden pallets used for cargo transport to create makeshift tables.

Beyond academics, UNICEF emphasizes the critical need for psychological support for Gaza's children, nearly all of whom require varying degrees of mental health assistance due to their experiences during the conflict. The "Return to Learning" program also aims to restore a sense of stability and routine to children's lives.

In the West Bank, the educational situation is less severe but faces challenges from military operations, closures, and checkpoints, particularly in northern refugee camps. Around 12,000 students were displaced from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps but have been gradually absorbed into nearby schools. Over 800,000 students in the West Bank are affected by the security situation, with about 150,000 needing to cross checkpoints to reach school, while others face closures and intermittent military actions disrupting regular schooling.