Gaza woman rescues books from rubble to keep education alive

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Published: 2026-10-06T09:50:33.934Z • Permanent link

Lena Al-Masri, a 32-year-old teacher in Gaza, has been working tirelessly to rescue hundreds of books from the rubble of a destroyed school in the coastal city. The books, which date back to the 19th century, were among the few remaining educational resources for the region's children, who have been denied access to formal education due to the ongoing conflict. Al-Masri's efforts have sparked international attention, with aid organizations and educators praising her dedication to preserving education in the face of war.

Gaza's education system has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with many schools destroyed or damaged. The loss of educational resources, including books, has exacerbated the problem, leaving children without access to critical learning materials. Al-Masri's rescue efforts have been driven by her own experiences as a teacher, where she has seen firsthand the devastating impact of the conflict on the region's children.

Rami Ayyad, the Director-General of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Middle East, has praised Al-Masri's efforts, stating that "her actions are a testament to the resilience and dedication of educators in the face of adversity." OCHA has been working closely with Al-Masri and other aid organizations to provide support for the region's education system.

Lena Al-Masri's rescue efforts have significant implications for the global education sector, particularly in regions where access to educational resources is limited. The destruction of schools and loss of educational materials have been identified as major barriers to learning, with UNESCO estimating that over 250 million children worldwide are out of school. Companies such as Microsoft and Google have launched initiatives to provide educational resources to disadvantaged regions, but these efforts are often hampered by limited access to infrastructure and resources.

The loss of educational resources in Gaza also has broader implications for the global economy, with research suggesting that every dollar invested in education can yield a return of up to $10 in economic growth. The impact of the conflict on the region's education system is likely to be felt for years to come, with long-term consequences for the region's economic development and social stability.

Lena Al-Masri's efforts are part of a larger pattern of resistance and resilience in the face of conflict and adversity. In other parts of the world, educators and aid workers have been working to preserve educational resources and support learning in the face of similar challenges. The destruction of schools and loss of educational materials have been identified as major barriers to learning in regions such as Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan, where conflict has disrupted education systems and left millions of children without access to learning materials.