From the depths of suffering, hope emerges. Driven by her dream of restoring education to children deprived of it by war and displacement, Halima Abu Khousa has turned adversity into action. With a BA in Basic Education, she initially established an educational centre in northern Gaza to provide a safe learning environment. However, the outbreak of war forced her, like thousands of others, to flee her home, relocating to the south of Gaza in search of safety.

Despite the displacement, Halima’s determination only grew. After settling in Deir al-Balah’s Industrial School, she conceived the idea of an "educational tent" to offer schooling to children in camps who had been stripped of their right to learn. With the help of nine volunteer teachers, she created a daily educational programme covering core subjects while integrating innovative approaches to address the children’s psychological needs.

The tent now serves 160 students from the first to ninth grades, despite limited resources. Halima recounts the immense challenges, from the lack of proper seating—only 25 chairs for all students—to children attending in worn clothes and bare feet amid the cold. Yet these hardships have not deterred her.

More than just academics, Halima’s initiative incorporates a programme called "The Story of My Displacement," offering a therapeutic outlet for children to share their experiences of war and loss. "Education in these circumstances is not merely academic; it’s a form of psychological healing and a chance to rebuild a child’s confidence and sense of self," she explains.

Through this initiative, Halima has witnessed profound transformations. Children who once struggled with hyperactivity, learning difficulties, or shyness are now eager to learn and engage. For some, the tent has become a sanctuary where they can rediscover their love for education and begin to heal from the trauma they’ve endured.

Halima dreams of expanding her work to reach more children, despite the ongoing challenges. "Education is the most powerful weapon to rebuild future generations," she asserts. Her "educational tent" represents not just a classroom but a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest times, a brighter future can be imagined—and built.