Since July, more than 900 children have participated in educational learning spaces supported by AFSC. Photo: Amjad Al Fayoumi
It’s been just a couple of weeks since AFSC’s team had to flee Gaza City because of the Israeli military takeover. And yet, our work has not stopped. Here in the south, on the ground, we return to what keeps us alive: serving our people.
The very next day after our relocation, my colleague Firas and I went back to the field. We visited our learning spaces where children learn through play. Since mid 2025, AFSC has helped to provide educational activities and psychosocial support for over 900 children aged 6 to 12. We plan to reach hundreds more children as the project continues to grow.
Children attend an educational learning space supported by AFSC. Photo: Amjad Al Fayoumi
For children who come to our learning spaces, it is life-changing. They have not seen a classroom in over two years. Their days have been reduced to waiting in endless lines for water and bread. They have all stared death in the face and lost parents, siblings, and homes.
In these learning spaces, they tell us: “This is the only place we feel safe. This is where we can finally be children.”
Our facilitators and coordinators shared that this was a wonderful experience for them, as well. Since the program started, they have observed positive changes in the children. Those who were initially shy, withdrawn, or struggling to learn are now more confident, interactive, and engaged. Parents have told us that their children have “graduated as new versions of themselves.”
Recently, we held a graduation ceremony to celebrate the children’s achievements. The event included joyful performances in which the children expressed themselves through music, dance, and theater.
A graduation ceremony for children at one educational learning space. Photo: Amjad Al Fayoumi
Speaking at the ceremony, I thanked the educators and facilitators who make this project possible. Their dedication cannot be overstated. They themselves have been repeatedly displaced and traumatized, yet they show up every day because they believe in these children’s futures.
Every child deserves more than survival. Every child has the right to safety, to education, to a life beyond war. The children of Gaza are extraordinarily resilient, but they should not have to be. They deserve peace, security, and the chance to simply be children.
But I want you to know: We are still here, still building, still carrying this mission forward, because of your support, your solidarity, and your actions to stop this genocide.
The children of Gaza deserve to return to real schools, to sleep in their own beds, to live without fear. Until that day comes, we will continue this work. We will continue standing with Gaza’s children, honoring their right to learn, to play, to live.
