In a tent at the Saned site in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, twelve-year-old Masa is reclaiming her childhood through creativity and education. Funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Better Learning Programme provides essential mental health and psychosocial support alongside educational opportunities for children affected by conflict.
Masa’s journey reflects the profound impact of this initiative. Once a vibrant student in Al-Nasr, she was forced to flee her home due to escalating violence. “I used to live a beautiful and peaceful life,” she recalls. “But after the war started, we were forced to flee multiple times until we ended up in a tent. My life became nothing but emptiness, suffering, and extreme loneliness.”
The stark contrast between Masa’s calm drawings of the sea and her turbulent reality highlights the challenges she faces. After losing her home and friends, her daily existence transformed into a struggle against fear and despair. The establishment of a temporary learning space at the Saned site has allowed her to rediscover a sense of normalcy.
Education Cannot Wait has been instrumental in supporting education in Palestine since 2019, reaching nearly one million children, with 51% being girls. This effort underscores the necessity of educational and mental health resources in crisis situations.
Restoring Childhood Through Learning
Masa’s family lived in a small tent at the Saned site, where her anxiety grew in the silence. “I always felt isolated and distressed, with no one to talk to,” she explains. The fear of stepping outside her tent loomed large, especially after losing her aunt in an airstrike.
Her life began to change when educators visited her tent and invited her to join learning sessions. Now, Masa attends classes focused on Arabic and mathematics, as well as therapeutic activities such as breathing exercises and guided drawing. “I learned deep breathing exercises and relaxation methods,” she states. “When I feel afraid, I remember my teacher’s words and take out my drawing supplies.”
The Better Learning Programme not only addresses academic needs but also emphasizes emotional well-being. Educators are trained to create safe environments, equipping them with tools to support children’s recovery. This holistic approach is vital for children like Masa, who are navigating the aftermath of trauma.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives. “This grant from ECW allows us to begin restoring mental health and learning services,” he says, adding that it is only a small part of the broader need. “These children must not be forgotten.”
Hope Blossoms Through Art
Every day, Masa walks to the learning tent, where she immerses herself in reading, drawing, and relearning essential skills. The simple act of drawing waves brings her a sense of hope and normality. “Since joining the sessions, I have felt some hope that life could return to us,” she shares.
Masa dreams of becoming a doctor, aspiring to help children like herself. “It is my right, like all children in the world, to dream, grow, and build my future,” she asserts. Yet for many children in Gaza, the future remains uncertain. Continued investment in education and mental health support is crucial for their recovery.
As Masa picks up her pencil again, she embraces her drawings as a symbol of resilience. “I love drawing the sea because it reminds me that life is still possible and beautiful,” she concludes. In the midst of adversity, the creativity nurtured by the Better Learning Programme allows children like Masa to envision a brighter future.
