Beyond violence and forced displacement: Rebuilding futures through education in the north of the West Bank

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Since January 2025, relentless military operations have caused widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Jenin city, its refugee camp, and neighbouring villages. Hundreds of houses have been destroyed while dozens of schools have been forced to close. The destruction has uprooted thousands of families, forcing them to flee in search of safety and shelter in surrounding areas.

Hala*, a 2nd Grader, attending catch-up classes in Aneen — **Hala*, a 2nd Grader, attending catch-up classes in the north of the West Bank**

“Our house was destroyed during the last invasion of the camp. We had to leave with nothing,” recalls 7-year-old Hala*. “We moved in with relatives in Aneen Village. At first, I felt strange and uncomfortable going back to school in a new place – I missed my old school and friends.”

Hala’s* story is one of thousands. According to OCHA, around 40,000 people are estimated to have been displaced in the north of the West Bank since January 2025. This wave of displacement has struck during an unprecedented economic crisis gripping the West Bank. Families already burdened by unemployment and salary cuts now face the added trauma of losing their homes. With few resources, many have sought refuge in communities that are themselves struggling to survive.

Children like Hala* are amongst the most affected. Local schools – underfunded and overwhelmed – are unable to support the sudden surge of students. Many displaced children have experienced prolonged interruptions in their education, compounding the emotional toll of displacement with the loss of learning, stability, and a sense of normalcy.

Students, including several recently displaced children from Jenin, attending a catch-up class at Deir Abu Daif Primary School for Boys — **Students, including several recently displaced children from Jenin, attending a catch-up class in the north of the West Bank**

“The village of Deir Abu Daif has opened its doors to many displaced families from Jenin Camp,” says Mr Ahmad Alyat, headmaster of Deir Abu Daif Primary School for Boys. “Today, around 20 children from the camp are enrolled in our school – most of whom had been out of school for nearly three months. The learning gaps are severe, and the needs overwhelming.”

Picture 3: Students studying during a catch-up class in Aneen village – due to the arrival of many new students recently displaced from Jenin, additional tables and chairs had to be installed in the classroom — Students studying during a catch-up class in the north of the West Bank – due to the arrival of many new students recently displaced from Jenin, additional tables and chairs had to be installed in the classroom

Nearby, Aneen Village – also deeply affected in the early days of the military operations – continues to face its own challenges. “Ongoing security concerns often prevent teachers from reaching the school,” explains Ms Maysa Mohamad Taher, headmaster of Aneen’s primary school. “Classes are frequently disrupted and school hours reduced, depriving students of precious days of learning.”

However, in the face of immense hardship, hope is being restored – one classroom at a time. With support from the European Union, World Vision, in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, is responding to this urgent crisis through the project “Safe Access to Inclusive and Dignified Education, and Protection Services for Children in Crisis”. Spanning 61 schools across 13 directorates in the West Bank, including Jenin, the project is a lifeline for thousands of children whose education has been repeatedly disrupted.

In February, the project launched catch-up classes that have already reached approximately 3,000 children. These sessions are not just about recovering lost lessons – they are about healing.

Pic 4: Ms Mansour teaching mathematics using a fun and engaging approach — **Ms Mansour teaching mathematics using a fun and engaging approach**

“Given the violence and trauma faced by families and children in Jenin, it was essential not only to support students academically but also emotionally,” says Ms Naimi Ahmad Saleh Mansour. “In the catch-up classes, we use fun, engaging methods to help children reconnect with learning and regain their enthusiasm for school.”

**Mr Younis, an Arabic teacher, during a catch-up class**

“Teachers, too, are receiving critical support through training and educational materials, helping them rebuild their capacity to teach under incredibly difficult circumstances”, says Mr Imad Saleh Younis.

Headmaster Alyat reflects on the impact, adding that, “The catch-up classes have allowed our school to help displaced students resume their education in the best possible conditions in these very difficult times.”

But this crisis is not isolated. Over the past five years, Palestinian students have endured a relentless series of disruptions: the COVID-19 pandemic, a year-long teachers’ strike, and now, ongoing violence and economic instability. These overlapping emergencies have placed an entire generation at risk of falling permanently out of the education system.

*Name was changed.