Amid the chaos and destruction in Gaza, education has become a form of defiance for the students and teachers who continue to pursue their studies despite the odds. With Israel’s relentless attacks on the region, schools and universities have been reduced to rubble, making it nearly impossible for students to access their education. However, four young women in Gaza are determined to keep studying and inspiring others to do the same.
According to a report by the United Nations, Israel has destroyed every university and 85 percent of schools in Gaza. This has had a devastating impact on the education system in the region, leaving thousands of students without access to proper facilities and resources. But for students like 22-year-old Yasmeen, giving up on education is not an option.
Yasmeen is a final year student of computer engineering at the Islamic University of Gaza. Despite the constant threat of air strikes and the destruction of her university, she refuses to let go of her dreams. In an interview with The Intercept, she said, “I have worked hard to get to where I am today and I will not let the violence and destruction stop me from completing my education.”
Yasmeen’s determination is shared by many students in Gaza who see education as their only hope for a better future. 21-year-old Noor, a medical student at Al-Azhar University, says, “Education is the key to a brighter tomorrow. We cannot let the violence and destruction dictate our future. We must continue to study and work towards building a better Gaza.”
The lack of educational facilities and resources has forced students to adapt and find alternative ways to continue their studies. With limited access to textbooks and internet, students have come up with creative solutions to stay on track with their academics. 20-year-old Amani, a biology student at the University of Gaza, says, “We have to constantly find ways to make up for the resources we have lost. We have formed study groups and share textbooks among ourselves. It’s not easy, but we are determined to keep learning.”
In addition to the destruction of infrastructure, the ongoing violence in Gaza has also taken a toll on the mental health of students. Many have lost their homes and loved ones, making it difficult to focus on their studies. 23-year-old Salma, a psychology student at Al-Quds Open University, says, “It’s a struggle to stay motivated when everything around you is falling apart. But we have to keep going. We believe that education itself is a form of resistance against the violence and oppression we face.”
Despite the challenges, the students of Gaza are not alone in their fight for education. Teachers have also been at the forefront, risking their lives to continue teaching their students. 28-year-old Sarah, a high school English teacher, says, “I refuse to let my students’ education be disrupted by the violence. I have opened my home to them and continue to teach them, even if it’s just for a few hours a day. Education is the only way we can break the cycle of violence and hopelessness.”
The resilience and determination of the students and teachers in Gaza have inspired many around the world. Despite the destruction and loss, they continue to fight for their education, hoping for a better future for themselves and their community. Their stories serve as a reminder that education is a powerful tool that can bring about change and hope, even in the most trying of times.
In the face of adversity, the students and teachers of Gaza have shown that education is not just a means to a degree, but a form of defiance against oppression and violence. As the world watches the conflict unfold in Gaza, let us not forget the students and teachers who continue to pursue their education against all odds. They are the true heroes, and their determination and resilience will shape the future of Gaza.
