Swimming classes in Gaza have resumed after three years of war, offering hundreds of children a chance to reclaim their stolen childhood. These makeshift sea pools built from sandbags and rubble provide a rare escape from the ongoing conflict.
How Swimming Classes Are Rebuilding Childhood in Gaza
Amjed Tantesh, founder of Gaza’s first swimming academy, mobilized dozens of volunteers to create five pools on central Gaza beaches. Using only hand labor, they moved tonnes of rubble and excavated sand to build walls. The pools attract children like magnets, offering free morning classes for orphans and afternoon sessions open to all.
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Life-Changing Impact on Gaza’s Children
A UN survey in March found that 96% of children felt death was imminent. Swimming provides a psychological lifeline. “Swimming gives me a chance to escape the war and the worries I live with,” said 13-year-old Alma Shabat, who lost her mother in an Israeli strike. After three weeks, she mastered freestyle and made new friends.
| Key Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Emotional escape | Children forget the war for a few hours |
| Physical activity | Learning to swim builds confidence |
| Social connection | New friendships formed across communities |
Key Takeaways from the Gaza Swimming Initiative
- Pool construction: All done by hand due to lack of heavy machinery
- Free lessons: Priority for orphans and children of war victims
- Daily attendance: Hundreds of children participate each day
- Long-term vision: Program aims to expand and continue post-war
FAQ
Who started the swimming classes in Gaza?
How are the pools built without heavy machinery?
What is the psychological impact on children?
By reclaiming their stolen childhoods one stroke at a time, Gaza’s children prove that even amid devastation, hope and resilience can flourish. These swimming classes are more than lessons—they are a lifeline to normalcy.
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