Private schools become a costly choice for struggling parents in Gaza
In Gaza, parents struggle to afford private school fees while their children attend makeshift tent classrooms amid ongoing conflict. Volunteer-run schools offer limited resources, and private institutions, though better equipped, remain financially out of reach for many families.
In a cramped tent in Deir el‑Balah, Khadija Abu Qados prepares her 11‑year‑old daughter for another day of schooling, despite relentless air raids and a crippling financial squeeze. The family fled their Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in northern Gaza after it was destroyed in the Israeli offensive that began in October 2023. Now, their home and classroom are both tents, with no desks, chairs, or climate control. The heat makes concentration difficult, and the lack of proper learning spaces is a stark reminder of the broader education crisis sweeping the Strip.
From UNRWA Schools to Makeshift Tents
Before the war, Khadija’s daughters attended a UNRWA school in Gaza City, where they excelled academically. Since the conflict escalated, they have been learning in tents run by volunteer teachers near their camp. The volunteer school, Elyaa’ School, charges a modest 30 shekels (about $8) per month. Yet even that fee is a heavy burden when basic necessities like food and water are scarce. “If I could afford it, I would send them to private school,” Khadija told Al Jazeera.
School principals and teachers face severe shortages. Noha Khader, the Elyaa’ principal, reports limited resources and a pressing need for external support to keep classes running. The school has enrolled over 1,100 students but relies on only 40 volunteer teachers and administrative staff. Desks are scarce, blackboards are in poor condition, and many students arrive without stationery. Khader says the school’s high demand is matched by a lack of supplies, forcing her to purchase materials herself whenever possible.
Private Schools: Better Facilities, Higher Costs
For families who can manage the cost, private schools offer a more stable learning environment. Zahra Saleh, a kindergarten teacher, enrolled her six‑year‑old son Ibrahim in first grade at the Abdul Aziz Private School in western Gaza City. The school began as a tent‑based field school in 2024 before moving to a rented building in Shujaiya for the new academic year. With a student‑to‑teacher ratio of roughly 10:1, the private school provides a regular routine and a classroom setting that many parents desire.
However, the monthly fee of 400 shekels (about $131) is a significant expense for a family where the husband is unemployed. Saleh worked at the school to offset costs, but the financial strain remains. Moreover, the price of school supplies has risen sharply: a 12‑notepad set that once cost six shekels now costs four shekels per notepad, effectively doubling the price for a single item.
Economic Collapse Exacerbates the Education Dilemma
Gaza’s economy is in freefall. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reports an 84% contraction in GDP in 2025 compared with 2023, while unemployment has surged to 78%. The World Bank estimates that $71.5 bn is needed for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction. In this environment, the cost of education—whether through volunteer schools or private institutions—becomes a luxury many cannot afford.
Doaa Qdeih, director of Abdul Aziz Private School, explains that the school does not charge a fixed fee. Instead, she evaluates each family’s circumstances before setting a payment. “We have families who can pay 300 shekels, while others cannot pay anything,” she says. “There is solidarity among us.” Yet the bulk of the fees covers rent and operating costs, and the school relies on profits from other businesses to maintain its facilities.
Unfinished Reconstruction and the Path Forward
UNICEF reports that only 2% of Gaza’s school buildings remain undamaged, and 93% require major repairs or complete reconstruction. With nearly 700,000 children missing face‑to‑face schooling for almost three consecutive years, the need for stable educational infrastructure is urgent. Israeli air raids continue to threaten schools, with at least 300 children killed since the ceasefire in October. The death of eight‑year‑old Wafaa Akila and her father in a car accident on the way home from school last week underscores the daily risks.
While volunteer initiatives like Elyaa’ School and private institutions like Abdul Aziz provide crucial services, they cannot replace a comprehensive, government‑run education system. Qdeih emphasizes that if the Ministry of Education were to provide more places, the school would volunteer its expertise without expecting compensation. The broader solution, she argues, lies in rebuilding Gaza’s public schools and restoring a functional labor market to lift families out of poverty.
What Comes Next?
As Gaza continues to grapple with war‑related destruction and economic collapse, the education crisis remains a pressing concern. International donors, the UN, and the Palestinian Authority face the challenge of coordinating reconstruction efforts while ensuring that children can return to safe, well‑equipped classrooms. Until then, families like Khadija’s and Zahra’s will continue to navigate the precarious balance between survival and schooling, hoping for a future where education is no longer a luxury but a right.
Why it matters
Education is a cornerstone of resilience; when children cannot learn in safe, stable environments, the cycle of poverty and conflict deepens. Understanding Gaza’s schooling crisis highlights the urgent need for humanitarian and reconstruction support.
Key points
- Gaza families face soaring private school fees amid war and economic collapse
- Volunteer schools provide limited resources but are crucial for displaced children
- Private schools offer better facilities but are financially out of reach for many
- UNICEF reports only 2% of schools remain undamaged, 93% need major repairs
- Economic downturn and high unemployment exacerbate families’ inability to pay for education
- Rebuilding Gaza’s public schools is essential for long‑term stability
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of private school fees in Gaza?
Private schools charge around 400 shekels (approximately $131) per month, though fees vary based on each family’s circumstances.
How many students attend volunteer-run schools like Elyaa’?
Elyaa’ School has enrolled over 1,100 students but operates with only 40 volunteer teachers and limited supplies.
What percentage of Gaza’s schools are damaged?
Only about 2% of schools are undamaged; 93% require major repairs or reconstruction.
How does the unemployment rate affect education?
With unemployment at 78%, families struggle to afford school fees and basic necessities, making education a luxury.
