This policy paper highlights the need to reassess the existing educational system in Palestine and emphasizes the importance of incorporating a non-traditional learning model alongside formal education. The paper proposes the model of popular emancipatory education as an effective tool to begin dismantling the structures of colonialism and to create a national emancipatory educational project that responds to the political and societal aspirations of the Palestinian people. The paper aims to spark discussion and critical inquiry into the current state and the future of education, within a broader discussion the Palestinian People need to engage in, to discuss the future status of education in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The paper discusses proposals and policies related to popular emancipatory education. It begins with defining the concept and highlighting its significance, particularly within a colonial condition. It also examines historical Palestinian experiences, draws key lessons, and considers how these insights can shape the next phase of education in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the paper calls for a re-evaluation for the government’s education recovery plan for the Gaza Strip, raising concerns that the current strategies focus on procedural and institutional rebuilding while neglecting the content and purpose of education. The Policy Brief stresses the urgent need to address the reality of the Gaza Strip and the needs of students beyond infrastructure reconstruction efforts.
The paper presents a set of proposals and recommendations, emphasizing that the reconstruction and restoration of education must be Palestinian-led and supported by popular participation, with the goal of dismantling the colonial agenda. It calls for the government to develop a comprehensive action plan to address both immediate and long-term challenges—one that extends beyond traditional academic institutions, to support popular education initiatives. Additionally, the recommendations stress the importance of ensuring that education plans incorporate provisions for students’ psychological, physical, and health needs. The government must also adopt non-traditional approaches to facilitate student enrollment in the educational process in the Gaza Strip.
The recommendations emphasize the need to uphold the central role of education and knowledge production, ensuring that learning remains emancipatory, and responsive to the next-phase needs for Palestinian society. Additionally, it is crucial to establish free spaces for academics and intellectuals, such spaces nurtures their contribution to popular education. This is sought through strengthening initiatives that promote the values of freedom, equality, and independence while working toward the elimination of oppressive systems.