I’m pleased to share this proposal drafted by Ms. Raghad, an English teacher who lives in Gaza. While there are many urgent needs in Gaza, where a slow-motion genocide continues unabated, she is well-qualified to lead one that will help selected high school students complete their Tawjihi exams and prepare for higher education.
Follow this link to donate to this worthy project via a GoFundMe campaign.
MAA
Introduction
Amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, thousands of high school students are facing an unprecedented educational crisis that threatens their academic and professional futures. The destruction of schools, repeated displacement, loss of teachers, and frequent interruptions in electricity and internet services have deprived students of their right to education, particularly high school students whose future university and career opportunities depend on successfully completing this critical stage.
While many educational and humanitarian programs focus on primary and lower secondary students, high school students continue to receive insufficient support despite the crucial role this stage plays in shaping their educational and professional pathways.
The “Back to the Future” project aims to provide a safe and well-equipped learning environment that enables high school students to continue preparing for their final examinations while receiving academic, psychological, and life-skills support necessary for a successful transition to higher education.
Project Justification
1. Limited educational programs specifically targeting high school students compared to other educational levels.
2. Near-total disruption of the educational process due to war and destruction.
3. Urgent need for psychosocial support for students affected by conflict and academic pressure.
4. Limited access to electricity, internet connectivity, and modern learning resources.
5. Need to prepare students for university life and guide them toward future educational opportunities.
6. Reducing the risks of educational dropout and loss of academic and career opportunities among youth.
Overall Goal
To empower high school students in the Gaza Strip to prepare for their final examinations and transition successfully to higher education through a safe learning environment, integrated academic and psychosocial support, and a cohort-based educational program.
Specific Objectives
1. Provide intensive educational support in core academic subjects for high school students.
2. Deliver psychosocial support services to participating students.
3. Enhance students’ access to digital learning resources and educational technology.
4. Conduct assessment and mock examinations to measure academic progress.
5. Develop students’ time management and future-planning skills.
6. Provide academic and career guidance and support for university readiness.
Target Beneficiaries
• 100 students per cohort from Grades 11 and 12.
• Students living in areas most affected by the conflict.
• Displaced students.
• Students with disabilities.
• Students at risk of dropping out of education.
• Priority will be given to female students and households headed by women.
Project Implementation Approach
The project will be implemented through successive student cohorts. Each cohort will participate in a three-month program of intensive academic instruction, psychosocial support, and university guidance.
Upon completion of the first cohort, a new group of students will be enrolled to benefit from the educational center’s services, ensuring continuity, sustainability, and expansion of the project’s impact over time.
Proposed Activities
1. Intensive Academic Support
• Daily lessons in core academic subjects.
• Curriculum review sessions.
• Preparation of study guides and worksheets.
2. Psychosocial Support
• Individual counseling sessions.
• Group support sessions.
• Activities that promote resilience and positive coping mechanisms.
3. Digital Learning Access
• Provision of computers and tablets.
• Internet access for students.
• Access to online educational platforms and resources.
4. Mock Examinations
• Monthly assessment tests.
• Analysis of results and personalized feedback.
5. University and Career Guidance
• Orientation sessions on university majors and career pathways.
• Information sessions on scholarships and higher education opportunities.
• Academic and career planning support.
6. Recreational and Sports Activities
• Regular recreational activities.
• Sports activities that support mental well-being.
Required Resources
Human Resources
• 8 specialized teachers.
• 2 psychologists/counselors.
• 2 administrative staff members.
• 2 activity facilitators.
Educational Resources
• Educational books and study materials.
• Worksheets and examination papers.
• Stationery and office supplies.
Facilities
• 3 equipped classrooms or learning tents.
• Administrative office.
• Psychosocial support room.
Logistics and Equipment
• Internet service.
• Solar energy system.
• 10 computers or tablets.
• Small backup generator.
• Basic furniture and equipment.
Estimated Project Budget
Total Budget: USD 40,000
Budget Item| Cost (USD)
Educational center setup (tents, furniture, ventilation, cooling)| 5,000
Printing educational materials and examinations| 6,000
Stationery and office supplies| 3,000
Computers, solar energy system, and internet| 5,000
Teachers’ salaries| 12,000
Salaries for counselors and activity facilitators| 3,600
Transportation and communications| 900
Operational and logistical costs (electricity, water, cleaning, maintenance)| 4,500
Total| 40,000
Expected Results
1. Enable 100 students per cohort to continue their academic preparation.
2. Improve students’ performance in mock examinations compared to baseline assessments.
3. Reduce levels of stress and psychological pressure among participating students.
4. Increase opportunities for students to access higher education or vocational pathways.
5. Establish a scalable and replicable educational model for other areas of the Gaza Strip.
Performance Indicators
Indicator| Target
Number of students enrolled per cohort| 100
Regular attendance rate| 85% or higher
Improvement in mock examination results| At least 20%
Number of psychosocial support sessions conducted| 12 group sessions plus individual counseling
Beneficiary satisfaction rate| 90% or higher
Students receiving university guidance services| 100 students
Risks and Mitigation Measures
Risk| Mitigation Strategy
Deterioration of the security situation| Select safe locations and prepare emergency relocation plans
Electricity outages| Utilize solar energy systems and backup generators
Limited internet connectivity| Provide dedicated internet packages for the center
Shortage of educational staff| Utilize online learning and remote teaching when necessary
Sustainability
• Enroll new student cohorts after the completion of each training cycle.
• Train local teachers to ensure continuity of educational activities.
• Establish educational communication networks for students and graduates.
• Build partnerships with universities and educational institutions.
• Continue utilizing the center’s equipment and resources to serve future cohorts.
Acknowledgment
We extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all donors, partners, and supporters who contribute to providing education and hope for Gaza’s students and help them build a brighter future despite the extraordinary challenges they face.
An International Educator in Vietnam 