Gazan Teacher Establishes School for Displaced Children in Egypt

A Gazan teacher, Hadeel Zarab, has established a free school in Arish, Egypt, for children displaced by the war in Gaza. Zarab, who arrived in Arish in April 2024, six months after the war began, started the initiative with other displaced Palestinian teachers. The school, initially housed in a rented building with a small number of students, now serves approximately 400 students aged 6 to 18, making it the sole Palestinian school in North Sinai. The project's first year saw about 150 students.

Zarab stated that the school was created to meet the needs of children uprooted by the war and now living in Arish, a city approximately 44 kilometers from the Gaza border. The costs for renting the premises and school supplies are covered by support from the "Misr El Kheir" foundation. Palestinian children arriving in Egypt face varied circumstances, with some seeking medical treatment for war injuries, others accompanying their families, and some undergoing rehabilitation after surgeries. UNICEF reports that over 14,000 school-aged Palestinian children have been displaced to Egypt since the war started.

The school aims to provide a safe space for children to regain a sense of normalcy, incorporating activities like morning assemblies with Palestinian flags, drawing, singing, and playing. Anas Shehata, a parent, expressed hope that the children can continue their lives and pursue their dreams despite the difficult conditions away from Gaza. The school also addresses challenges faced by some families in accessing education due to the costs of internet and electronic devices, making in-person schooling a vital option.

Teacher Hameed Abu Daher explained that the school's role extends beyond academics, focusing on helping children cope with the psychological effects of war and displacement while maintaining their connection to their Palestinian identity. The teaching staff works collaboratively to compensate for lost education and integrate students into school life, with the goal of enabling them to resume their education in Gaza seamlessly upon their return.