The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is urging for increased action as numerous children in Gaza and Lebanon are missing out on essential education due to school closures caused by ongoing military conflicts.
In response to an attack by Hamas-led militants into Israel, Israel retaliated with a massive strike on Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements. Israeli forces have also entered southern Lebanon, bombing cities like Beirut and Tyre.
In Gaza, thousands of children have been unable to attend school for two consecutive years, with a significant number of children unable to begin school at all. While some children are being supported by temporary learning spaces, the resources available are insufficient to meet the needs of all the affected students.
Similarly, in Lebanon, the majority of public schools have been converted into shelters, disrupting the education of many children. The start of the academic term has also been delayed due to the ongoing conflicts.
Various organizations, such as Save the Children, Plan International, Christian Aid, and ActionAid, are providing crucial support to displaced children in the form of education, mental health services, psychosocial support, and access to learning materials. These efforts aim to mitigate the negative impact of the conflicts on children’s education and overall well-being.
Emilia Sorrentino from Plan International emphasized the importance of education as a lifeline for children in crisis situations, highlighting the need to restore safe access to education. Erin Wall from Save the Children Lebanon stressed the role of education in providing a sense of normalcy for children during conflicts and expressed concerns about the potential long-term impact of school closures on children’s learning and development.
The DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal aims to raise funds to support these critical efforts, with every donation from the British public being matched by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme.
As the conflicts continue to disrupt the lives of children in Gaza and Lebanon, it is essential to prioritize education and provide the necessary support to ensure that these children have hope for a better future despite the challenges they face. For more information on how to contribute to the appeal, please visit the DEC website.