In Gaza, where the rubble of war lies thick and classrooms are reduced to screens, education has refused to die. Despite a genocide that has ravaged the territory for two years, students and educators have found ways to adapt and keep learning.
For many, studying became an escape from the horrors of war. "It was an escape," said Aseel, a student of English translation at the Islamic University of Gaza. "A small space of hope and achievement that gave me motivation to keep going." Students downloaded lectures in advance, charged their laptops with solar energy, and met in improvised study groups to share notes and resources.
But for some, the brutalities of war coincided with the mundanity of schooling. Mo'min, a web computing student, described his experience as a battle with both genocide and procrastination. Despite psychological exhaustion, faith kept him grounded. "I comforted myself with the Qur'an," he said. "I learned to depend on myself – completely."
Professors worked hard to keep in touch with students under difficult circumstances. Sulaiman, a professor and specialist in educational foundations and administration, stressed that education played a vital role in supporting the psychological and social endurance of students, faculty, and families alike.
As Gaza rebuilds, professors hope to gradually reopen classrooms with essential furniture and equipment. They plan to prioritize laboratories and smart classrooms for hands-on training. And as soon as reconstruction allows, they aim for a full return to face-to-face education.
For now, the future of Gaza's universities hangs in the balance. The Islamic University announced that it had begun initial renovations, requiring approximately $15 million to rebuild campuses and purchase equipment. But with no funding yet, the institution faces an uncertain future.
The human toll of the genocide has been devastating. 56 academic and administrative employees at the Islamic University were killed, while 1,500 employees did not receive salaries in the same period. And 17,000 students dropped out of their studies due to the conflict.
As Gaza rebuilds, its universities must confront the reality of a society forever changed by war. Will they be able to restore education as a beacon of hope and resilience? Only time will tell.
For many, studying became an escape from the horrors of war. "It was an escape," said Aseel, a student of English translation at the Islamic University of Gaza. "A small space of hope and achievement that gave me motivation to keep going." Students downloaded lectures in advance, charged their laptops with solar energy, and met in improvised study groups to share notes and resources.
But for some, the brutalities of war coincided with the mundanity of schooling. Mo'min, a web computing student, described his experience as a battle with both genocide and procrastination. Despite psychological exhaustion, faith kept him grounded. "I comforted myself with the Qur'an," he said. "I learned to depend on myself – completely."
Professors worked hard to keep in touch with students under difficult circumstances. Sulaiman, a professor and specialist in educational foundations and administration, stressed that education played a vital role in supporting the psychological and social endurance of students, faculty, and families alike.
As Gaza rebuilds, professors hope to gradually reopen classrooms with essential furniture and equipment. They plan to prioritize laboratories and smart classrooms for hands-on training. And as soon as reconstruction allows, they aim for a full return to face-to-face education.
For now, the future of Gaza's universities hangs in the balance. The Islamic University announced that it had begun initial renovations, requiring approximately $15 million to rebuild campuses and purchase equipment. But with no funding yet, the institution faces an uncertain future.
The human toll of the genocide has been devastating. 56 academic and administrative employees at the Islamic University were killed, while 1,500 employees did not receive salaries in the same period. And 17,000 students dropped out of their studies due to the conflict.
As Gaza rebuilds, its universities must confront the reality of a society forever changed by war. Will they be able to restore education as a beacon of hope and resilience? Only time will tell.
I mean can you even imagine having to download lectures like that? I feel for these students & teachers, but it's wild how adaptable they are 
. The whole thing is just so... intense 
. $15 million is a lotta cash for repairs tho 
. Like what's gonna happen if they don't get the funds? 
" Education is like having a portable wifi router, it can bring connection even in the most turbulent times" 
[GIF of a kid doing homework with a peaceful beach in the background] 
. but seriously, it's like they say: education is the key 2 survival n rebuildin a community 
. these profs r goin through hell tryna support their students & faculty n families during this time 
. fingers crossed that gaza's universities can bounce back stronger than ever 
. $15 million might seem like a lot but cmon, u gotta keep the future of education alive 
. hope they get the funding ASAP 
.
and you know what keeps people going even in the darkest times is that one small spark of motivation aka their studies 
students like Aseel who found solace in learning is giving me all the feels 
but at the same time, i have to admire their strength & resilience 
they're finding ways to adapt & make education work despite everything... i hope the universities get the funding they need & are able to reopen soon 
. And can you imagine if all the funds got allocated? Gaza's future would be so much brighter 
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. And I'm curious to see how Gaza's universities will adapt to the new reality, especially with the funding issues 
. 
. But at the same time, I think education should be accessible to everyone, no matter what's going on 
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. It's not just about getting the kids educated - it's about giving them skills that will help them rebuild their community and create a better future 
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. I'm really worried about these 17k students who dropped out though - what are they supposed to do now? 
my heart goes out to all the students & teachers in Gaza who have been through so much 
It's amazing what people can do when they come together 