The high unemployment rate (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school.
Getting an education is a a gift that empowers minds, fosters bright futures, and provides opportunities. In Gaza, going to school also enables children to escape the trauma of life under siege and to feel normal.
Many families in Gaza do not have the funds to buy uniforms or school supplies for their children, who prefer to stay home rather than attend school in tattered, ill-fitting uniforms. The high unemployment rate (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school.
Last year, Um Raeda, who heads a family of 10 was relieved to have her children fitted with school uniforms. “I don’t have the money and my children feel shame to go to school. This voucher gave us all a chance to hope.”
This year, as in the past, KinderUSA will provide families with vouchers to purchase trousers and shirts for the boys, dresses for the girls, shoes, socks, underwear, and a school bag with all the necessary supplies to get them through the year.
To get an education in Gaza means jumping hurdles. The economic deprivation, coupled with continuous power outages, sometimes up to 20 hours a day, affects their ability to study, concentrate, and learn. Electricity outages also affect the schools’ ability to provide safe drinking water for their students.
“Despite these obstacles,” said Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, Board Chair, KinderUSA, “even the most destitute children in Gaza still want to go to school and learn. The least we can do is help them participate with dignity by providing clothing and supplies like everyone else.”
Next week more than half a million children will go back to school in Gaza. We will be caring for at least 525 students. You can help empower these eager young minds by supplying them with the necessary clothing and supplies for as little as $40 per child. The future of children in Gaza depends on our support.
