“An institutional Building Compass: launching two Safe Learning Spaces in the Middle Area”
The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) launched two safe learning spaces in the middle area of the Gaza Strip within the project of Youth Networks Collaborating Towards Enhanced Educational and Well-being Opportunities for Children and Adolescents, supported by UNICEF and implemented in partnership with the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP).
The first SLS was launched in “Together For Palestine 3″ camp in Deir Al-Balah, while the other was established in Al-Zawayda town, west Gaza. Both spaces are now fully functional, targeting many students from both locations.
Eight Months of Education at SLSs
Around 300 elementary school students joined the safe learning spaces. Six teachers at both locations lead educational sessions and activities. The Zawayda’s SLS was inaugurated at the “Return Camp,” managed by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. About 150 students have joined the space, with another 150 students enrolled in the “Together For Palestine 3” camp to pursue their education over the next eight months.
The students in each camp are divided into six learning classes, participating in three lessons a week, following the Palestinian curriculum, complemented by various extracurricular activities.
Remarkable Opening
During the opening of the “Return” educational space, SDF’s operations manager in the middle area, Naji Naji stated, “This effort amidst the challenges we face is an achievement on its own. Moving forward, getting children back to education is our focus. This harsh suffering is an uplifting guidance to rebuild our nation. SDF strives to meet children’s basic rights—a dignified, peaceful, and joyful life. Our efforts, fueled by the youth’s power and support of our partners aim to provide significant support to children and adolescents.”
Mr. Naji extended SDF’s sincere appreciation to the camp administration and IDPs for their efforts to launch the SLS, emphasizing the importance of such intervention. In return, the “Return” camp’s administration also expressed their gratitude to the SDF’s team for their efforts toward supporting students’ education, hoping that these efforts pay back soon, acknowledging that this initiative is an urgent but temporary intervention, so children would return to schools once the war is over.
Project Coordinator, Angham Mattar stated, “For SDF, this is not a mere project, but a large-scale contribution to address the significant disruption in the education system, which requires joint efforts and a collective responsibility.”
This is a significant milestone against destruction, death, pain, and displacement. Even after the war ends, I hope this effort benefits students to return to their schools.
SLS’s coordinator, Hamza Abu Eisha
Drawing a smile on children’s faces
Skilled and passionate teachers provide tailored educational sessions, regular follow-ups, and activities to the displaced students. Mathematics teacher at the “Together For Palestine 3” SLS, Nadia Al-Halabi explained that she works hard to offer various activities alongside their regular lessons, aiming to break the monotony and help the children escape their harsh reality. These activities are designed to engage them and make learning easier.
“As teachers, we have a noble mission to revive children’s spirits. Children’s smiles in the classroom are priceless. A learning session should be as insightful as enjoyable to the children, who have been enduring harsh displacement conditions.”
Samir Kanaan, an Arabic teacher at the “Return” SLS
Sondos Fayumi, an English teacher at the camp’s SLS, added, “Large numbers of children have come to register; 20 – 30 students were enrolled each day. This shows the significant interest of displaced families in integrating their children into education.”
All over the Gaza Strip
Launching the two SLSs is part of a broader component of the project to establish 12 safe learning spaces across the Gaza Strip distributed in three segments: southern Gaza, middle area, and northern Gaza. The project aims to promote children and adolescents’ access to education, raise awareness of violence and protection issues, and enhance their academic skills. The project also seeks to promote the role of young leaders in supporting educational and recreational initiatives for children and adolescents through a dedicated youth network “Together For Hope (T4H)”.