The author reflects on their childhood experiences in northern Gaza, recalling the preparations for the school year, including shopping for supplies and the structure of schools. Most schools in Gaza are concrete buildings with facilities for various subjects, including practical arts and science. The author attended Al-Fakhoora School, which was run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Schools provided essential services, including vaccinations and free textbooks.
In 2010, the author began studying English-language teaching at the Islamic University of Gaza and later became a teacher at Al-Fakhoora. However, the situation in Gaza has drastically changed over the years. The author describes a conversation with their sister, Aya, about her children's education, highlighting the challenges they face, such as limited school hours, reliance on worksheets due to a lack of textbooks, and the trauma from ongoing violence.
Aya reports that school supplies have become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for families to afford basic items. Her daughter Naheda attends school in a tent, as classrooms are occupied by displaced families. Aya's stepdaughter, Dana, faces challenges in her college studies due to lack of resources at home.
On October 7, 2023, the author was preparing to take their daughter to school when violence erupted, leading to their eventual displacement. They recount the destruction of schools, including Al-Fakhoora, which was hit by airstrikes, resulting in casualties. The author notes that attacks on schools are not new, citing past incidents during conflicts.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted children's education, with reports indicating that many have experienced significant learning loss. An independent U.N. commission highlighted the collapse of basic services and the detrimental effects on children's development.
The author mentions efforts to support educational initiatives in Gaza, including a kindergarten founded by a friend’s mother, which has faced challenges due to displacement and destruction. Despite these obstacles, the kindergarten continues to operate in makeshift conditions.
The author reflects on their family's escape from Gaza in December 2023 and their current life in Syracuse, New York. They share updates with family members still in Gaza, who continue to worry about the safety of their children attending makeshift schools. The narrative concludes with a tragic incident involving a child being shot while at school in a tent, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by students in Gaza.