High school students in Gaza face an uphill battle to prepare for their critical Tawjihi exams amidst the chaos of war and displacement. Despite the destruction surrounding them, these students are determined to overcome the odds and pursue their education, even as their world crumbles around them.
Hamza Al-Zain, a young student displaced from his destroyed home, represents this struggle. In the corner of a makeshift shelter, he clings to hope, attempting to focus on his studies despite the constant interruptions of warplanes and explosions. "I promised my father I would succeed, but the war has turned everything upside down," Hamza shared.
The challenges are overwhelming: displaced teachers, lack of educational resources, unreliable internet access, and the ever-present noise of war. Students like Hamza must travel long distances to find a stable internet connection or resort to studying in half-destroyed homes for a moment of quiet.
For Sujoud Al-Najjar, the struggle is similar. Risking her life to leave crowded shelters, she studies in her damaged home, trying to make sense of complex subjects like mathematics without proper guidance. "I rely on virtual classes and my mother’s help, but it's not enough," she lamented, highlighting the scarcity of educational materials and the logistical challenges of charging devices in war-torn areas.
The Ministry of Education has announced alternative measures for Gaza's Tawjihi students, including rescheduling exams abroad for over 500 displaced students and offering deferred sessions for 35,000 others deprived of their exams. This provides a glimmer of hope for students who have been unable to sit for their exams due to the ongoing Israeli onslaught.
Amidst the noise of war, these students embody resilience, striving to reclaim their education and dreams in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their determination underscores the enduring spirit of Gaza’s youth, who continue to fight for a future even in the darkest of times.