The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched today, Saturday, the General Secondary (Tawjihi) exam electronically for students from Gaza born in 2006, with approximately 27,000 students from various directorates registered.
اضافة اعلان
The announcement came during a press conference held by Palestinian Minister of Education Amjad Barhoum at the Government Operations Room in Ramallah, in the presence of Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad, UNDP representative Jakob Selliers, and representatives of the educational community, partner institutions, and the media.
This exceptional initiative comes amid ongoing Israeli aggression, which has prevented over 70,000 students born in 2006 and 2007 from sitting for exams, in addition to 4,000 students killed and 4,000 taking exams abroad over the past two years.
Barhoum stated: “From here, where we announced our commitment to hold the Tawjihi exams for Gaza students, amidst destruction, on the rubble of homes and schools, and in the midst of displacement and hunger, we assert the right of Gaza students to education, even if the world stands by as mere spectators to the destruction of education in Gaza and the West Bank.”
The exam is being held electronically via the Wise School platform, in cooperation with the Islamic Sciences University in Jordan. Barhoum expressed gratitude to King Abdullah, Prince Ghazi, and the university leadership for their support, emphasizing that the Palestinian presidency and government prioritize this issue as a national and ethical responsibility.
He added that the academic year in the West Bank provinces will start on Monday, highlighting the challenges facing the education sector due to the seizure of tax funds.
Barhoum explained that virtual schools in Gaza will resume operations in the coming days to start the new academic year, with plans to provide safe learning spaces. Over 30 schools and their staff have been removed from the educational registry due to the attacks, resulting in the death of approximately 18,000 students and 750 teachers and the destruction of more than 90% of schools.
The Tawjihi exam for students born in 2007 will follow shortly. The ministry has also facilitated exams for Gaza students abroad, helping many obtain scholarships worldwide, while continuing university support programs and a comprehensive government-approved plan to sustain education after the aggression.
Barhoum concluded by calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities to protect the educational rights of Palestinian children, noting the dire situation in Gaza, Jerusalem, and other areas.
Minister Hamad praised the initiative, highlighting the hope and resilience it represents amid famine and destruction, and commended the government and Ministry of Education for their efforts.
UNDP representative Jakob Selliers emphasized the program’s commitment to ensuring Gaza students receive their right to education, applauding their courage and resilience, saying: “You are the hope and future of Palestine, and every question you answer is an act of bravery.”
