Gaza Students Return to In-Person Classes in Tents and Damaged Schools

Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza have returned to in-person education after nearly three years, attending classes in damaged school buildings, temporary learning spaces and tents amid severe shortages of basic supplies.

The new academic year began on September 19, with students gathering at schools and learning centres supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other organisations. Preparations included 359 temporary learning spaces across Gaza, according to the United Nations. The education ministry, backed by international and local organisations, has moved ahead with the 2026-27 academic year, establishing dozens of temporary schools made of tents, tarpaulins, sheet metal and wood.

Education officials said at least 5,40,000 students are expected to attend in-person classes this year in makeshift private schools, temporary learning centres and educational points. Online learning will continue for those who cannot attend classes or who left Gaza during the war.

For many children, the return brought a sense of joy and normalcy despite the difficult conditions. Student Moayed Abu Mustafa said the last time he had been to school was three years ago. "Now, we are starting the school year, it is year of joy, happiness and success," he said, adding that students were determined to continue learning even inside tents. "Despite all of this we will learn, we will learn even in a tent." He said he has no decent shoes, nor a notebook and pen, and lost friends during the war.

According to UNICEF, 90 per cent of schools in Gaza were either destroyed or damaged during the war. Gaza education officials stated that about 6,60,000 students have been deprived of in-person learning and regular participation in education.

Ibrahim Ramadan, director of education for East Khan Younis, said the conflict has killed around 22,000 students and more than 770 education workers, including 532 teachers.

Fifteen-year-old displaced student Samar Abu Salmi, who lives with her family in a tent, said: "We studied on phones and we have not seen our teachers... Now, we are back pursuing our dream... from one tent to another." She recalled that before the war, everything was available — notebooks, pens, goods, clothes and outings that could be bought cheaply.

Another student, Yamen Abu Samra, said: "We used to wake up happy to go to school... Now, when we come to school, we are afraid of stray bullets, rockets, strikes, everything." He added, "Now, I am sitting in a tent that has absolutely nothing, just the sun and the heat."