In the midst of devastation, a glimmer of hope emerges in Gaza's academic landscape. The new academic semester brings a unique challenge, as students navigate the aftermath of Israel's destructive campaign.
The familiar buzz of students heading to campus has been replaced by the stark reality of displacement. Gaza's academic institutions, once vibrant hubs of learning, now lie in ruins, with many serving as temporary shelters for displaced families.
Amidst this chaos, a ray of light shines through in the form of 'University City,' a makeshift academic initiative led by Scholars Without Borders. This humble space, constructed from local materials, aims to resurrect academic life for students in Gaza.
A Resilient Academic Initiative
University City, located in the crowded al-Mawasi area, offers a glimpse of normalcy amidst hardship. With six halls accommodating up to 600 students daily, it provides a much-needed respite from the challenges of online learning.
The initiative's representative, Hamza Abu Daqqa, emphasizes their mission: "To bring education closer to students in a better environment." This space, though simple, creates a sense of academic routine, a privilege many students have been deprived of.
The site boasts solar-powered internet access, green areas, and even a small business incubator, fostering a holistic academic experience.
Navigating Constraints
Given the limited capacity, universities prioritize in-person instruction for practical and discussion-based classes. The rotating weekly schedule ensures maximum access, with prominent universities like the Islamic University and Al-Azhar University utilizing the space alongside colleges like the Palestine College of Nursing.
However, the reality behind University City is heavy. Gaza's universities have been systematically damaged or destroyed since Israel's genocidal war began in October 2023.
A Lost Generation
For a generation of students, university life has been non-existent, replaced by the battle for survival. Freshmen, who should be embarking on a new phase of independence, have been denied this experience for two consecutive years.
Inside University City, these students encounter this experience for the first time.
Mariam Nasr, a first-year nursing student, reflects: "Before the genocide, everything we needed was available. But for more than two years, our lives have been disrupted."
The Impact of In-Person Learning
Mariam and her peers, like Amr Muhammad, another first-year nursing student, express excitement at finally attending classes in a university-like setting.
Amr shares: "Being here with other students, discussing and engaging, makes a huge difference."
This small space reflects a larger tragedy - Israel's destruction of Gaza's academic sector, described by UN experts as 'scholasticide.'
More than 7,000 university students and academics have been killed or injured, with over 60 university buildings completely demolished. As a result, hundreds of thousands of students are cut off from formal education.
Overcoming Challenges
The journey to University City is itself a challenge, with damaged roads and scarce fuel. Students like Mariam and Amr face transportation hurdles and limited resources, making consistent learning difficult.
Despite these obstacles, a scene of resilience unfolds. Students continue their studies, and professors like Dr. Essam Mughari emphasize the importance of in-person learning, especially for medical education.
Dr. Mughari shares: "Being able to gather, interact, and learn together restores something vital."
A Personal Mission
For students like Mariam, the determination to continue their education is deeply personal. She recalls her cousin, a nurse killed in an Israeli airstrike, as a reminder of why she holds onto her path to heal others and serve her people.
University City currently serves hundreds of students daily, but thousands more remain without access. Scholars Without Borders acknowledges that their work is ongoing, and the need is far greater.
As Abu Daqqa states: "Imagine what could be done if the truly needed resources are allowed."
This initiative serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Gaza's academic community, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ruins.
