Making education inclusive for every child in Gaza

CBM and Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children are working to transform education in the Gaza Strip. Funded by the European Union, this project ensures children with and without disabilities have access to inclusive, quality education—despite ongoing challenges.


In Gaza, conflict has disrupted education for thousands of children. The ongoing conflict has caused widespread instability, severely affecting children’s lives. The constant threat of violence and economic hardship has led to trauma and stress, impacting their physical and mental health. Education in the Gaza Strip is heavily disrupted, with schools often damaged and many children unable to attend classes.

Challenges to children with disabilities

Children with disabilities in the Gaza Strip face significant obstacles to education, exacerbated by a shortage of qualified teachers and educational materials. Many educators lack the training needed for inclusive practices, which results in ineffective teaching and further exclusion. Additionally, schools often remain inaccessible to those with physical disabilities, and there is a lack of essential resources like assistive devices and therapeutic support that hinder their educational progress. The persistent stigma surrounding disabilities, coupled with insufficient awareness and advocacy, undermines their rights and opportunities. Moreover, there is a lack of policy recommendations or an official action plan, and efforts by civil society organizations toward inclusive education are still limited.

Project Overview

The Inclusive education in the Gaza Strip project, funded by the European Union with a total proposal amount of €499,980 (USD 566,000), aims to create an inclusive education environment for children with and without disabilities in the Gaza Strip.

Key Objectives and Achievements

  • Objective: To build an inclusive society with equal access to inclusive education and accessible health services for children with and without disabilities in Palestine.
  • Specific Objective: Promote children’s rights to inclusive education and health services based on a national disability-inclusive framework.

Targets

  • 2,000 students (with and without disabilities) access inclusive education
  • 200 children with disabilities receive assistive devices and therapeutic support
  • 200 teachers trained in inclusive and digital education methods
  • 2,000 parents trained to support home learning and therapy
  • 200 public officials sensitised on disability inclusion
  • 10 schools upgraded for accessibility
  • 4,000 children engaged in awareness activities on inclusion

Impact of CBM's Intervention

  • Increased access: Children with disabilities enrolled in mainstream schools 
  • Improved quality: Teachers apply inclusive and digital learning strategies 
  • Better infrastructure: School facilities are adapted for accessibility 
  • Greater support: Families empowered to help children learn at home 
  • Wider change: Stakeholders across sectors engage in inclusive reform

 

Synergy with partners and global goals

Children in a classroom setting © CBM/ASDC
Atfaluna offers psychosocial support for displaced children, both with and without disabilities. They provide comfort, emotional support, and a sense of normalcy for children affected by conflict.

This initiative aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), ensuring equal access to education and health services for all children. It aligns with SDG 4: Quality education, Target 4.5: “Eliminate gender disparities in education…” as the action will focus on protecting the rights of children with disabilities to education and to support them in accessing inclusive and quality education

This project also builds on prior CBM and Atfaluna initiatives and aligns with other donor-supported programmes, including those from the World Bank and UNICEF. Implementation is deeply rooted in local partnerships and coordinated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, OPDs, and community groups.

Interested partnering with CBM?

CBM’s inclusive education work in Gaza shows what is possible, even in complex contexts. Institutional donors are invited to join us in scaling these efforts.

Interested partnering with CBM?

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