Gaza's students refused to let the devastation of war destroy their education. Amidst the rubble and ruins, they continued to study, fueled by determination and a desire for knowledge.
Aseel, a student of English translation at the Islamic University of Gaza, described her experience as an "escape" – a small window of hope amidst the chaos. For her, studying was a way to cope with the horrors of genocide. She downloaded lectures and materials in advance, so she could study offline when the internet was down.
The university waived tuition fees during the first year of the conflict, but at what cost? Fifty-six academic and administrative employees were killed, 1,500 employees did not receive their salaries, and 17,000 students dropped out. The human toll was devastating.
Despite the challenges, students persevered. They would study for hours on end, fueled by solar energy and makeshift internet connections. For some, like Hala, a student of Islamic law, education became a vital lifeline – she wants to use her degree to fight for justice.
As Gaza rebuilds, universities are hoping to reopen classrooms with modern equipment and furniture. Professors, like Sulaiman, who specialized in educational foundations, worked tirelessly to keep students engaged under "extremely difficult circumstances." They prioritized laboratories and smart classrooms for hands-on training.
The university's future is tied to the country's reconstruction. When Gaza rises from the ashes, the Islamic University will become a leading institution – its curricula evolving to meet contemporary demands and develop students capable of thriving in modern life.
The story of Gaza's students is one of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. It serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms – it's about hope, courage, and the human spirit.
Aseel, a student of English translation at the Islamic University of Gaza, described her experience as an "escape" – a small window of hope amidst the chaos. For her, studying was a way to cope with the horrors of genocide. She downloaded lectures and materials in advance, so she could study offline when the internet was down.
The university waived tuition fees during the first year of the conflict, but at what cost? Fifty-six academic and administrative employees were killed, 1,500 employees did not receive their salaries, and 17,000 students dropped out. The human toll was devastating.
Despite the challenges, students persevered. They would study for hours on end, fueled by solar energy and makeshift internet connections. For some, like Hala, a student of Islamic law, education became a vital lifeline – she wants to use her degree to fight for justice.
As Gaza rebuilds, universities are hoping to reopen classrooms with modern equipment and furniture. Professors, like Sulaiman, who specialized in educational foundations, worked tirelessly to keep students engaged under "extremely difficult circumstances." They prioritized laboratories and smart classrooms for hands-on training.
The university's future is tied to the country's reconstruction. When Gaza rises from the ashes, the Islamic University will become a leading institution – its curricula evolving to meet contemporary demands and develop students capable of thriving in modern life.
The story of Gaza's students is one of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. It serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms – it's about hope, courage, and the human spirit.