Urgent: Support Bayan’s Family to Reopen Gaza Kindergarten

Urgent Call for Donations: Help Rehabilitate and Operate Bayan's Family-Owned Al-Aqsa Kindergarten in Al-Zawaida, Gaza

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As the brutal impact of war continues to devastate Gaza, the future of our children—and the livelihood of local families—are at risk. The Al-Aqsa Kindergarten in Al-Zawaida, which is owned and operated by Bayan Almanama and her family (from Nuseirat, Gaza), has long been a beacon of hope for young children in the community. Now, due to the conflict, the kindergarten is severely damaged, and the children who once filled its classrooms are entering their second year without education. This delay jeopardizes not only their academic progress but also their emotional and psychological well-being.

In these trying times, education is more than just a right—it is a lifeline, providing children with the stability and hope they need to overcome the trauma of war. Bayan’s family home, which once housed the kindergarten, has also become a shelter for displaced families, many of whom include children eager to learn but with no place to go. The economic collapse in Gaza has made it impossible for most families to afford tuition fees, which means we are relying 100% on your donations to help rebuild and reopen this essential community hub.

Our mission is to rehabilitate Al-Aqsa Kindergarten and provide educational and psychological support to these vulnerable children. With your help, we can ensure the kindergarten operates for a full academic year despite the dangers and uncertainty surrounding them.

damage of the kindergarten during the war

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What We Need:

1. Building Repairs:

• Several walls of the kindergarten were either destroyed or severely damaged by airstrikes. Immediate repairs are necessary to make the building safe for the children.

2. Furniture Restoration:

• Existing furniture has deteriorated due to neglect, humidity, and dust. Some pieces were destroyed in efforts to survive during power outages. Restoring or replacing this furniture is essential for the children's comfort and safety.

3. Playground Equipment:

• Two of the playground swings were damaged—one by the airstrikes, the other by rust and disuse. Rehabilitating the playground will provide the children with a safe space to play and alleviate some of their emotional stress.

4. Window Repairs:

• Many classroom windows were shattered by blasts. Replacing them is critical for the children’s protection and security.

5. Personal Supplies for the Children:

• The children lack basic hygiene products like soap and towels, as well as educational materials such as books, stationery, and school uniforms. Many also need proper shoes and bags. We aim to provide these essentials, along with toys to support their learning and emotional well-being.

6. Nutritious Meals:

• We plan to offer healthy meals during the children's time at the kindergarten. Proper nutrition is vital for their physical development and ability to focus on learning.

7. First Aid and Medical Supplies:

• Setting up a small medical station with essential first aid supplies will allow us to address minor health concerns during school hours.

8. Staff Salaries:

• Our dedicated team includes a director, teacher, activities coordinator, and photographer. They need salaries to continue their essential work, supporting not only the children’s education but also their emotional and psychological recovery.

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How You Can Help:

We aim to raise another €25,000 to cover the following:

• Rehabilitation of the building and infrastructure

• Furniture restoration or replacement

• Monthly operational costs for the kindergarten over a 9-month academic year, including staff salaries, meals, and necessary supplies.

Your donation will go directly toward rebuilding Al-Aqsa Kindergarten and giving the children a chance to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment despite the hardships they face.

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Why This Matters:

Education is a powerful tool, especially in times of conflict. It not only imparts knowledge but also gives children stability and hope for a better future. These children have already endured immense loss—of their homes, loved ones, and sense of security. We cannot allow them to lose their education too.

Your support can make a difference. Together, we can restore Al-Aqsa Kindergarten and ensure that the children of Gaza continue their education and have a safe place to grow, learn, and heal.

For your donations, we are eagerly awaiting your contributions to this campaign. Every donation, no matter the size, brings joy to the children and their families.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Let’s ensure these children don’t fall further behind and help secure the future they deserve.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Al-Aqsa Kindergarten Team

The kindergarten before the war...

... and during the war

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About the history of this campaign:

This campaign was first designed to help Bayan and her family escape Gaza, which was unfortunately not possible due to the closing of the Rafah border crossing. Later, the campaign shifted its focus to providing the family with basic necessities and food. Now we focus on rebuilding the family-owned kindergarten.

About us:

We are Katha & Franziska, international friends of Bayan Almanamas family based in Germany and the Netherlands.

The funds are designed to go directly to Bayan Almanama from Nuseirat, Gaza in support for the family-owned kindergarten

The funds will be transferred to Bayans sister outside Gaza and from her directly transferred to Gaza