At the HDF school in Al-Yarmouk Camp, more than 300 children took part in lessons, shared breakfasts and spent time with classmates through HDF’s Seeds of Hope primary education program. HDF published this account in December 2024, during war and displacement in Gaza.
The classrooms were temporary, but much of the day was familiar: students opened notebooks, practised Arabic, explored STEM subjects, memorised Qur’an, created art and played games. These details offer the clearest account of what the school provided without suggesting that a school day removed the danger surrounding the children.
A day at the HDF school in Al-Yarmouk Camp
According to HDF’s December 2024 account, the school day began with an assembly before children moved into their classrooms. Teachers then led Arabic and STEM lessons, with time devoted to literacy, language and curiosity about the world around them.
Breakfast was also part of the day. It gave students something to eat before they returned to their lessons and activities. Qur’an memorisation added time for faith and reflection alongside the academic programme.
Learning included more than classroom lessons
The original HDF account says teachers and counselors also offered emotional and psychological support. This mattered because the children were learning while living through conflict, loss and displacement.
Students joined drawing, colouring, storytelling and group games. These activities gave them time to create, move and work with one another. HDF also reported providing notebooks, art materials and warm clothing as part of the support available at the school.
What the HDF school in Al-Yarmouk Camp provided
The December 2024 account records several practical forms of support:
- Arabic, literacy and STEM lessons
- Qur’an memorisation and creative activities
- Breakfast for students
- Notebooks, art materials and warm clothing
- Support from teachers and counselors
These contributions gave children structured time to learn, eat and be with classmates. They did not end the war, displacement or uncertainty around them. Keeping both truths visible respects the scale of the crisis and the value of the support provided.
Support Seeds of Hope
This article is a snapshot of the HDF school in Al-Yarmouk Camp in December 2024, not a current operating-status report. HDF’s Seeds of Hope page explains the organisation’s wider primary education work and the current ways to support it.
May Allah protect the children of Gaza, preserve their love of learning and grant them safety and peace. Ameen.
