The reality of school education in the Gaza Strip and the areas of support needed during and after the war to restore education from the perspective of education directors in the West Bank

Abstract

This study aims to assess the state of school education in the Gaza Strip after the October 7 war, with the goal of developing plans and programs to restore it, as well as identifying the necessary support areas. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach and included education directors in government schools in the West Bank, totaling 18 directors. The findings showed that education in Gaza had completely stopped, with many schools being damaged. However, the Ministry of Education is working to continue the educational process under difficult circumstances by providing supplies to operational schools, setting up tents in destroyed schools, and establishing mobile classrooms in refugee camps. Additionally, an online platform was launched for students abroad or those unable to attend in person. The study emphasized the importance of providing security, psychological support, and mobile education. It also stressed the need to rebuild schools in collaboration with international organizations such as UNRWA and UNICEF, offer evening education programs, and provide psychological and social support. The results highlighted that popular education plays a crucial role in supporting the educational process, with the need for internet access for students and volunteers to support e-learning. The study recommended integrating popular education into the Palestinian Ministry of Education's plans and developing infrastructure to support online learning.