Gaza War Strips 1 million Students of Access to Education
The 2024 ACAPS report highlights the devastating effects of ongoing hostilities in Gaza on the education system, revealing widespread damage and severely limited access to education for children and educators alike. More than 93% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving approximately 625,000 children without access to formal education for an entire year. Higher education has also suffered greatly, with all 12 universities in Gaza damaged, halting education for around 90,000 students. The cancellation of the Grade 12 Tawjihi exams, crucial for future academic and employment opportunities, has created further barriers to progress.
As a result of the conflict, a large portion of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with schools being repurposed as shelters. Over 58,000 first-grade students were unable to start school for the 2024 academic year, further exacerbating the education gap. The disruption in education has also contributed to an increase in mental health and psychosocial issues among children. The report estimates that over 1 million children in Gaza require psychosocial support, as the prolonged conflict negatively affects their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
With schools closed, children face greater risks of exploitation, including child labor and early marriage. The loss of protective and educational environments poses long-term socioeconomic risks for the region. Humanitarian efforts are underfunded, and there are significant gaps in providing educational and recreational materials. Despite initiatives by UNICEF and other organizations to establish temporary learning spaces, continued conflict and logistical barriers have severely limited access to education. The report emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions, including long-term ceasefires, to rebuild the education system and provide critical psychosocial support for children and educators in Gaza. Without significant intervention, the long-term socioeconomic impacts of this crisis will continue to deepen.