Dreaming of Rebuilding Gaza: A Future Engineer Finds Hope at LIFE’s Al-Amal School
A Classroom Has Become a Scarce Place
For hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza, returning to a classroom remains difficult. In April 2026, UNICEF reported that nearly 98% of school buildings in Gaza were damaged, while around 420,000 children had no access to face-to-face learning at all.
In Jabalia Al-Nazla, North Gaza, damaged schools and overcrowded learning spaces created an urgent need for somewhere children could safely resume their education.
From Bare Ground to 20 Classrooms
From February 1 to June 15, 2026, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) supported the construction and completion of Al-Amal School in Jabalia Al-Nazla.
Built on a 3,000-square-metre site, the new school includes 20 classrooms, two administration rooms and seven toilet units, along with 304 student desks, 20 whiteboards, electrical systems, a backup generator, a secure entrance and perimeter fencing.
One School, 4,800 Students
Al-Amal was designed to make the greatest possible use of limited educational space.
The school operates in three daily shifts, allowing approximately 2,400 students to attend each day. Students are divided into two weekly groups that attend three days per week, making it possible for 4,800 children in Grades 1–9 to remain enrolled.
Beyond lessons, returning to school gives children routine, time with classmates and a structured environment after prolonged disruption. It also helps relieve pressure on other functioning schools in the area.
Building While Conditions Kept Changing
Constructing a school in North Gaza required constant adaptation. Movement restrictions, changing security conditions, difficulty transporting supplies and limited availability of construction materials all had the potential to interrupt the work.
Construction schedules were adjusted when necessary, materials were carefully planned and delivered, and ongoing engineering supervision helped keep work moving while maintaining safety and quality.
Despite these obstacles, every planned component of the school was completed.
Mohammed Has a Classroom Again
Twelve-year-old Mohammed had been out of school for months after education in his community was disrupted. He spent much of that time in displacement shelters with few opportunities to continue learning.
After Al-Amal opened, he enrolled in Grade 6 and returned to class.
“I missed studying and seeing my friends.”
Mohammed now says he hopes to become an engineer one day and help rebuild Gaza.
What Begins with a School
Life for Relief and Development sincerely thanks the donors who helped make Al-Amal School possible. Because of their generosity, thousands of children now have something that had become increasingly difficult to find: a desk, a teacher and a place to keep learning.
There are still many children waiting for that opportunity. With continued support, LIFE can help create more spaces where education, routine and childhood can begin again.
