Amid the ruins and displacement of the Gaza Strip, "Al-Salam" School in Mawasi Khan Younis offers a glimmer of hope. Situated in the Al-Aqsa shelter, this makeshift school provides education for children who have lost their classrooms to war. Its name, meaning "peace," contrasts starkly with the harsh reality of its conditions, yet it symbolises the determination of Gaza’s displaced to persevere and rebuild their future.

The school consists of six classrooms, many of which are little more than tents. With 975 students and 18 dedicated staff members, the school struggles with extreme shortages. Students often sit on freezing ground due to the lack of desks and chairs, sharing limited resources such as a single blackboard and scarce educational materials. Despite these challenges, the school remains a vital lifeline for children desperate to continue their education.

“We educate because it’s our children’s only hope,” says Dr. Fayez Abu Hajar, the school’s director. Staff members, all volunteers, work without pay in harsh conditions, driven by their commitment to their students. Teacher Nidal Al-Saba’ echoes this resolve, emphasising that education is the only way to combat the bleak future imposed by war.

The challenges intensify with winter’s arrival, as children endure freezing temperatures without adequate shelter or supplies. Dr. Abu Hajar has issued a heartfelt call to the international community, pleading for tents, books, and basic necessities like food for the students. He insists, “These children deserve a safe, suitable environment. Education is their fundamental right and our tool against poverty and ignorance.”

Al-Salam School exemplifies the broader crisis in Gaza, where the war has devastated the education system. According to UNICEF, over 625,000 children have missed an academic year, and more than 100 schools lie in ruins. Despite these hardships, Al-Salam remains a symbol of resilience, a testament to the unwavering spirit of Gaza’s children and educators in the face of unimaginable challenges.