Backpack | Gaza | Project #20

Back to School: Gaza Backpack and School Supplies (3rd Project)

$100,000 Donated
People Affected
6,133 Children
Location
Gaza
Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)


Challenge 

While going back to school is an exciting time for students across the globe, students in Gaza are unable to enjoy the process as resources and supplies are not readily available. With poverty on a constant rise in Gaza, there has been an uneasy burden on parents who try to attain the resources necessary for their children to excel academically. Our goal is to provide the children of Palestine with the supplies and tools they need to thrive and work towards highly fulfilling futures. 

Solution

We worked with local factories to manufacture 6,133 backpacks in which each included school supplies for children ages 4-16 years old. We have seen a gratifying increase in attendance after providing children in Palestine with academic essentials, and as a result are expecting a great outcome in their performance at school. Our main goal in this mission is to empower and guide the children of Palestine.

Distribution

A total of 6,133 backpacks and school bundles were distributed to many schools across Gaza including UNRWA schools. We distributed resources to refugee camps and villages in 4 of Gaza's 5 governorates: North, Gaza, Deir Al-Balah, and Khan Younis. We targeted the areas in the North and Gaza with the most number of bags as these were major areas that were the most severely damaged in the May attacks.


Kindergarten bundles Included:
6 notebooks
6 pencils
2 rulers
2 erasers
2 sharpener
Colored pencils
Sketchbook

Elementary & Middle school students:
12 notebooks
12 pencils
3 pens
2 rulers
2 erasers
2 sharpeners
Colored Pencils
Sketchbook
Pencil Case

Long-Term Impact

The long-term goal of this mission is to create a space of confidence and empowerment in the academic setting for the children of Palestine. We aim to encourage students to build their knowledge and make a positive change in their societies for the generations to come.

Testimonials

"The school bags are a token of support that give a sense of normalcy in the lives of children, a sense that no matter the circumstance, education must continue." (On-ground Distribution Partner)

"He told me in the evening hours and before bed that he did not want to go to school in the morning, and that he was ashamed in front of the other students of his torn and old bag that belonged to his older brother." His mother also spoke to us about their difficult financial situation and said "I was hoping that we would get this help from social welfare and that I could buy the children new clothes and bags, but unfortunately the school year started and that didn't happen. Today, after benefiting from the backpack project my son woke up in the morning with full excitement and walked with his colleagues without shame. I felt joy when he received the new school bag and stationery that will meet his needs for several months to come. Thank you with all my heart, you made them happy in my son's heart." (Mother of a 9-year-old boy from UNRWA school in Nuseirat refugee Camp)


“I never expected that I would have my new bag and tools like my friends. This is what I was hoping for." (8-year-old girl in 3rd Grade)


“We are very pleased with the initiative MECA provided, which finally allowed the children to go back to the school. The smiles this project drew on the faces of the students have given hope in our hearts to continue the educational process again." (Asmaa, UNRWA School Teacher)

S is a widow in Shati refugee camp who takes full responsibility of her house and thus bears all of its duties. When we called her to receive the school bag for her daughter, she was so happy and grateful. She said "This school bag will help my daughter a lot. I can't thank you enough."


D is an unemployed father of 5 sons and 2 daughters "My son is really in need for this. I was wondering how I would get him the bag to get prepared for school.  I really thank you."

In the Maghazi refugee camp, a principal shared how teachers had begun to give students homework for the first time as a result of all the students in need receiving stationery. He explained that now the teachers were confident the students were equipped to be able to do their homework.