In Gaza, the education crisis is not just a side effect of the genocide. It is a deliberate and devastating reality. The term “scholasticide” describes the systematic destruction of schools and the erasure of a generation’s right to learn. For the children of Gaza, the impact is profound, robbing them of stability, opportunity, and hope for the future. 

The Devastation in Numbers 

Since the genocide in Gaza began on 7 October 2023, the educational infrastructure has been severely impacted. Around 85% of school buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, with nearly 70% of UNRWA schools hit by bombings, some multiple times. Of those affected, 95% were being used as shelters for displaced people, many of whom were children. More than 625,000 students have been out of school. As a result, these children have missed an entire year of education. In addition, over 10,600 children have been reported killed, further compounding the disruption to education and the futures of an entire generation.

The Human Cost of Scholasticide 

The destruction of schools is about more than just damaged buildings, it is about lives disrupted and futures stolen. Education is often the only path out of poverty for children in Gaza, but with schools destroyed, many are left with nowhere to turn. 

Shockingly, a report revealed that 70% of young people in Gaza are unable to complete secondary education. Meanwhile, the psychological toll is immense. A survey by local organisations found that 80% of children show signs of trauma, exacerbated by the destruction of schools, which are often seen as safe havens during conflict. 

A Ray of Hope: Gaza Great Minds 

Amid the devastation, local initiatives like Gaza Great Minds Organisation have stepped up to fill the void. While international agencies struggle to address the overwhelming need, Gaza Great Minds has become a beacon of hope for thousands of children. 

Our grassroots organisation works tirelessly to provide makeshift classrooms in open spaces. Our efforts go beyond education; we also offer psychological support, ensuring children have a chance to process the trauma they’ve endured. 

When resources allow, we provide meals to students who often arrive at lessons hungry. We help children regain a sense of normality. Despite the immense challenges, Gaza Great Minds has reached thousands of children, proving that even in the darkest times, education can still thrive. 

 Why It Matters 

The deliberate targeting of schools violates international law, including the Geneva Conventions. It also breaches the Safe Schools Declaration, an agreement designed to protect educational institutions during genocide. Yet, these violations continue. 

The blockade on Gaza acts as a secondary form of scholasticide, preventing essential rebuilding and blocking access to resources like textbooks and writing materials. For Gaza’s children, this means their future is being systematically stolen. 

The Path Forward 

While organisations like Gaza Great Minds provide a lifeline, they cannot solve the crisis alone. The international community must act decisively to protect education in Gaza. Firstly, we need the genocide to stop. Secondly, stronger enforcement of international laws is needed to stop the destruction of schools. Lastly, restrictions on rebuilding materials must be eased to allow for the reconstruction of safe, functional classrooms. 

In addition, long-term investment in education is essential. Supporting grassroots organisations like Gaza Great Minds can make an immediate difference, while rebuilding schools and providing resources will ensure lasting change. 

Why support Gaza Great Minds

Gaza Great Minds stands as a lifeline. It is essential to educate people about the void we are filling: the critical need for education, psychological support, and basic nourishment for children who have been forgotten by the world. While global bodies have struggled to address these urgent needs on the ground, we have stepped in, creating makeshift tent schools that not only provide a safe space to learn but also a place for healing and growth.

Through the dedication of local volunteers, educators, and psychologists, we are nurturing the minds and spirits of Gaza’s future generation. Offering stability in the face of chaos. Our work is not just about survival, it’s about showing these children that they still have a future. We must raise awareness of this vital effort because without education, food, and psychological care, these children are left with nothing. It is time for the world to see what grassroots action can achieve.

Stand Together

Scholasticide in Gaza is more than an attack on infrastructure, it is an assault on the dreams and futures of an entire generation. Yet, amid this devastation, the resilience of initiatives like Gaza Great Minds reminds us that hope is not entirely lost. 

By creating makeshift classrooms, offering psychological support, and ensuring children can continue to learn, they are helping to protect the right to education even in the most challenging circumstances. 

Now, more than ever, the world must stand with Gaza’s children. Education is not just a right, it is the foundation for peace, stability, and a brighter future. Without urgent action, we risk losing an entire generation to despair. It is time to protect schools, invest in rebuilding, and ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.