Swimming classes resume in Gaza 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 Helping Gaza’s Children
Amjed Tantesh, founder of Gaza’s first swimming academy, mobilized volunteers to create five sea pools on the beaches of central Gaza. With no heavy machinery, they moved tonnes of rubble by hand and excavated sand to deepen the pools. Tarpaulins provide shade from the Mediterranean sun.
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Each morning, free classes are held for children whose parents were killed in Israeli attacks. In the afternoon, the pools are open to everyone. Children learn to float, doggy paddle, and take their first strokes, building confidence and joy in a place where formal education and playgrounds no longer exist.
The Impact on Mental Health and Childhood
A UN survey in March found that 96% of children in Gaza felt death was imminent. Swimming offers a temporary escape. Alma Shabat, 13, saw her mother killed in an Israeli strike in May. After three weeks of classes, she says, “Swimming gives me a chance to escape the war, and the worries I live with.” Her favorite stroke is freestyle, and she has made new friends, no longer afraid of the waves.
Ten-year-old Tulin Al-Othmaneh and Aseel Al-Kafarna also attend regularly. Tantesh notes that “the pools attract children from all along the beach like huge magnets.”
Comparison: Life Before and During War for Gaza’s Children
| Before War (Pre-2021) | During War (2023–2025) |
|---|---|
| Swimming academies operating normally | No formal swimming facilities; makeshift pools only |
| Children attended school and played in parks | No schools; playgrounds destroyed; constant fear |
| Mental health support available | 96% of children feel death is imminent |
| Beaches open for recreation | Beach access limited due to attacks |
Key Takeaways
- Swimming classes resume in Gaza after three years of war, built entirely by hand from rubble.
- Hundreds of children, especially orphans, learn to swim in five makeshift sea pools.
- The program provides a critical mental health break from trauma and violence.
- Volunteers and the community rally to give children a semblance of normalcy.
- These lessons help reclaim part of a stolen childhood for a few hours each day.
FAQ
Where are the swimming classes taking place in Gaza?
Who organizes the swimming lessons for children?
Are the swimming classes free for all children?
How does swimming help children cope with war trauma?
These swimming classes are a beacon of hope in a devastated region. They show that even in the darkest times, communities can come together to give children a chance to be children again. If you want to support such initiatives, consider donating to organizations providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.
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