Gaza: The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the start of the new academic year in the Gaza Strip. This is taking place under exceptional circumstances, after a three-year interruption caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry stated that the new academic year in the Strip began following a thorough assessment of the situation of the education system and upon carrying out the necessary arrangements. They have set up two educational tracks to accommodate students' circumstances both inside and outside the Gaza Strip.
The delay in the start of the academic year was due to technical and logistical reasons, along with weather condition considerations due to high temperatures. A significant number of students will receive their education in tents and caravans.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education noted that learning will be conducted in two main tracks: in-person and virtual, to ensure the continuity of education. In-person education is the primary track, focusing on students who are currently in the Strip and capable of attending school physically.
The Ministry has expanded in-person education by establishing approximately 700 learning facilities across various areas, with an additional 25 temporary schools expected to be ready soon. Virtual learning will cater to students in the Gaza Strip unable to attend in person and those outside the territory, benefiting 70,000 students within the Strip and 20,000 abroad, mainly in Egypt.
This academic year involves around 541,000 students in Gaza, including approximately 100,000 students enrolled in schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.