Pray that Khalid receives an education
Southminster has joined Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Let Children Live campaign to pray and advocate for the children of Palestine- (Gaza and the West Bank).
We have received the name of a child to lift in prayer and advocacy. Our child is 9-year-old Khalid. We do not have his photo. We can only imagine the reality of his life. Please begin praying today that Khalid may live and that he may know peace.
Before October 2023, the literacy rate in Gaza was one of the highest in the world- about 97-98%. The secondary education enrollment rate was 90% and for higher education 45%. The basic and secondary education system served over 625,000 students in 815 schools. Since Oct 2023 more than 97% of the schools have been damaged or destroyed with 91.8% requiring major rehabilitation or complete reconstruction. Most of the more than 600,000 school age children have had limited access to face-to-face learning for over two academic years.
Classes are now being held in tents provided by humanitarian organizations or in surviving school buildings which at night also serve as shelters for displaced people. As of Nov 4, UNICEF has provided spaces in 78 learning centers to accommodate 109,310 children in non-formal education. These enrolled students attend class 3 hours per day, 3 days per week. This provides consistent access to learning, fortified snacks, and other essential services including some psychosocial support. However, the majority of pre-school and school age children remain unenrolled due to insufficient space and lack of learning materials. Currently the IDF enforces restrictions on large scale entry of tents, and it is impossible to get educational supplies into Gaza as they are not considered lifesaving humanitarian aid. In addition, the UNICEF education team reported that in Gaza City potential learning center spaces needed to be cleared of unexploded ordinance, chemical hazards and rubble before the spaces are usable. This is likely true throughout Gaza.
Please pray that Khalid and his siblings are able to enroll for and attend school. Pray that Khalid is able to focus on learning amidst continuing trauma and uncertainty. Pray that his teachers and classmates are an encouragement and his classroom is a safe refuge for him. Pray that his teachers are able to use meaningful, creative teaching techniques that meet the needs of the children. Pray that the children continue to prioritize education and that they have hope for a decent future. Pray that Khalid finds solace in education.
