In the war-torn Gaza Strip, a university lecturer in Gaza faces unimaginable challenges to continue teaching. Mahmoud Seydam, head of engineering sciences and applied arts at the University College of Science and Technology in Khan Younis, begins his online lecture on museum architecture. He squats in front of a step he calls a table and opens his laptop. "Is Mohammed the only one here?" he asks, pulling out his phone to type into the students' chat group that the lecture is about to start. There are two students now. Mahmoud decides to wait a little for the others to join.
The Struggle to Teach Online in Gaza
"Today, we have a simple presentation: an overview of museum design," he says, asking his students to imagine the museum as honey in a glass. "The museum is a beautiful interior space. It becomes an element that attracts people." But the internet connection drops out and halts the lecture. Mahmoud, a lecturer at al-Aqsa University as well, does not seem frustrated. He is used to this. In his usual calm and professional tone, he records a voice message to his students: "Hello everyone … There seems to be an internet problem, so I will record the lecture, upload it to YouTube and send you the link." This is what a day in the life of a university lecturer in Gaza looks like.
Daybreak: Sleep Itself Is a Struggle
Sleeping isn’t easy while living in tents. Anxiety dominates everything … because there’s no sense of stability. You compare how your life was before the war to your current life and, psychologically, you’re unable to accept the drastic change. The constant fear of airstrikes and the struggle to find basic necessities like food, water, and electricity make every day a battle for survival.
Charging Laptops: A Gruelling Task
One of the most challenging aspects of being a university lecturer in Gaza is the gruelling task of trying to charge a laptop. With electricity scarce, Mahmoud often relies on solar panels or generators, but even those are unreliable. He may spend hours searching for a working outlet or waiting in long lines at charging stations. This daily struggle consumes precious time and energy that could be spent on teaching and research.
| Challenge | Impact on Teaching |
|---|---|
| Internet outages | Lectures interrupted, requiring recorded alternatives |
| Power shortages | Difficulty charging devices, limited lecture preparation |
| Displacement | Loss of resources, unstable living conditions |
| Psychological stress | Reduced focus and increased anxiety |
Key Takeaways for Understanding the Crisis
- University lecturers in Gaza face constant interruptions due to unreliable internet and electricity.
- Many educators have been displaced multiple times, losing homes and resources.
- Despite these challenges, they remain committed to educating students.
- International support and awareness are crucial to alleviate their plight.
FAQ
What are the main challenges for university lecturers in Gaza?
University lecturers in Gaza face a multitude of challenges, including frequent internet and power outages, displacement, psychological trauma, and lack of basic resources. These obstacles severely hinder their ability to teach effectively and provide quality education to their students.
How do lecturers in Gaza continue teaching despite the war?
Many lecturers like Mahmoud Seydam adapt by recording lectures and sharing them via YouTube or messaging apps when live sessions fail. They also use solar panels or generators to charge devices and often teach from tents or makeshift classrooms, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
What can be done to support university lecturers in Gaza?
Support can include donating to organizations providing educational resources, advocating for a ceasefire, and raising awareness about the dire situation. International academic communities can also offer online support, host virtual lectures, and provide scholarships for affected students and faculty.
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