SDF’s third Safe Learning Space in Deir Al-Balah to revitalize education for displaced children
The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) has established a Safe Learning Space (SLS) in the “Together For Palestine 5” camp in Deir Al-Balah, middle Gaza. This SLS complements SDF’s efforts to establish multiple educational hubs to support displaced students within the project Youth Networks Collaborating Towards Enhanced Educational and Well-being Opportunities for Children and Adolescents, sponsored by UNICEF and implemented in partnership with the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP).
Displaced families, the camp management board, local and community organizations, SDF project teams, teachers, and children’s families participated in the inauguration near the 17 Street, west of Deir Al-Balah.
Empowering children
The project manager, Angham Mattar, provided opening remarks, welcoming attendees and stating the project’s vision of establishing a safe learning space to support the education of IDPs: “Working during emergencies comes with its unique challenges, but here at SDF, we strive to meet the needs of the displaced students through our systematic educational interventions, food aid, and other relief interventions. We dedicate our resources under our national relief response program Together For Palestine (T4P).”
SDF’s Board of Directors member, Naji Naji stated: “It’s a bittersweet feeling to launch this SLS; while we are proud of the team’s efforts and dedication, we should ideally be in proper schools celebrating educational milestones. Yet here we are in a tent, determined to move forward. Our vision affirms that education is a right for all, and our belief in children’s right to learn, play, and be empowered drives us to maximize our resources.”
“It is not a classic school, but a tent, which reflects the harsh realities imposed upon us. Yet, it symbolizes our steadfastness and determination to overcome challenges. It sends a message to the world that, no matter the crises, we will not relinquish our right to build a better future for our children. Students have shown resilience and determination to continue their education. While these tents symbolize hardship, they also represent persistence, hope, and that education is a vital path to change.”
Dr. Abdel Jalil Sarsour, “Together For Palestine 5″ camp management staff member
The coordinator of the Safe Learning Space at SDF, Hamza Abu Eisha, considered this a goal scored against despair and displacement: “With each new educational space, we make progress against ignorance and death. Today, we mark our seventh goal, following several successes in the Gaza Strip. We would not have been able to do it without the dedicated support of displacement camps’ management and the determination of children.”
Longing hope
A mix of hope and sorrow marked the inauguration. Attendees shared heartfelt “Messages of Hope” on the comments board at the event’s entrance, encouraging the SDF’s team, project staff, and children to continue educational support efforts.
Together Towards Hope network youth members organized recreational activities for children and families during the event, aiming to break the ice, foster connections, and create a space for families to bond with children amidst Gaza’s challenging conditions.
All over the Gaza Strip
This SLS marks the 12th educational space established across the Gaza Strip in three main regions: southern, middle, and northern Gaza, with two spaces at least in each governorate. Strategically, the project aims to improve access to informal educational activities, raise awareness about violence and protection issues, and enhance learning capacities; it seeks to foster youth’s role in supporting educational and recreational initiatives for children and adolescents through a dedicated youth network.