More than half a million Palestine refugee children go back to UNRWA schools

AMMAN — During the month of September, more than 550,000 Palestine refugee students went back to learning in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in 706 schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“We are delighted to welcome children back to school against all odds and amid immense challenges in the region. Our schools continue to be a safe haven and a sanctuary away from violence and deepening economic crisis. The standards and quality of education UNRWA offers in schools remain among the highest in the region,” Marta Lorenzo, Acting UNRWA Director of Education, was quoted as saying in a UNRWA statement.

 “The agency’s provision of inclusive and equitable quality education contributes to social and political stability in the region and provides skills and well-being to Palestine refugee children,” said Lorenzo.

Children around the world, including Palestine refugee children, continue to face obstacles and challenges to their education, as stipulated at the Transforming Education Summit that concluded on Monday, at which UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini participated.

Palestine refugee children across the region have to often learn in overcrowded classrooms with more than 50 children in a classroom. Other challenges include insufficient number of teachers, lack of learning space and funding and psychological distress, the statement said.

In the Gaza Strip, 132 UNRWA schools were subjected to violence over the past 10 years. Resurgence of conflict and exponential poverty continue to be a threat to children’s education and well-being.

In the past 18 months, 38 incidents of violence were recorded in UNRWA schools in the West Bank, resulting in school closure or evacuation. The West Bank is currently recording highest levels of violence against civilians (since 2016), among them Palestine refugee children.

In Lebanon, amid the worst economic crisis in recent history, the cost of transportation has increased by over 500 per cent, making it almost impossible for many families to send their children to school.

In Syria, many Palestine refugee children were forced to flee during the 11-year ongoing crisis.

In Jordan, the impact of COVID-19 was endured by the most vulnerable children who were not able to access remote learning for 18 months while schools were closed.

Jana, a 10-year-old girl from Arroub camp, in the southern occupied West Bank, expressed her happiness to return to school because she missed her friends and teachers, and was happy to see them again.

“School is like a second home. It’s the only place where we can have fun, learn and meet friends,” she said.

Jana is one of 28,000 UNRWA student parliamentarians. First established in 2001, the UNRWA student parliament was launched as part of the agency’s Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, and Tolerance Education Programme. In 2017, the agency-wide Student Parliament was established, providing an opportunity for UNRWA students from its five areas of operation to work together and advocate for their rights.

“To prepare children for their role as responsible global citizens who develop their full potential and make valuable contributions to their communities, UNRWA has emphasised the importance of education by teaching UN values and the principles of peaceful conflict resolution, non-discrimination, human rights, tolerance and good citizenship through its programme of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance. These values are considered an essential element of the UNRWA education system,” added Lorenzo.

In line with global trends towards digital transformation and improved accessibility and connectivity, UNRWA is striving to respond to students’ needs by introducing digitisation and modernisation. UNRWA recently launched an Information and Communications Technology in Education (ICT4E) Strategy. As part of this strategy, the agency is working to bridge the digital gap by providing tablets to children, increased access to the Internet and software development skills to afford them a competitive edge they need to join local, regional and global job markets

“I wish our students, teachers and education staff a successful and peaceful year ahead. UNRWA is committed to provide Palestine refugee children with their right to quality education. It is the key to a brighter and prosperous future,” concluded Lorenzo.