A Comprehensive Kindergarten Assessment in the Gaza Strip: Multi-Dimensional Capacity Assessment

A Comprehensive Kindergarten Assessment in the Gaza Strip: Multi-Dimensional Capacity Assessment

Ajyal Association for Creativity and Development, in partnership with Islamic Relief Palestine, conducted this study between March and July 2023 to analyse the condition of the kindergarten sector in the Gaza Strip and identify its development needs and priorities. The assessment applied a mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology, covering 603 kindergartens across Gaza’s five governorates. Data collection also included four focus group discussions, ten semi-structured interviews with specialists and stakeholders, and field visits to assess facilities and physical accessibility.

The study examined seven main dimensions: drinking water and sanitation, nutrition, classroom environments and play areas, safety and security, public health, disability inclusion, and child development and learning outcomes. The assessed kindergartens enrolled approximately 72,300 children. Around 99% were privately or NGO-owned, while 50% operated from rented buildings. The sector employed 9,710 staff, including more than 6,000 teachers, with an average of 24 children per teacher.

The findings identified substantial infrastructure and service gaps. Approximately 81% of kindergartens depended on private water tankers for drinking water, while 58% of water-storage tanks were exposed to sunlight. Twelve percent lacked sufficient toilets, 83% did not provide gender-based privacy, 36% of sanitation facilities required maintenance, and 13% required replacement.

Regarding nutrition, 58% of children had access to food at kindergarten. Although 60% of kindergartens operated internal canteens, only 28% of these were properly equipped and compliant with public-health standards. The study also found a considerable gap between children’s awareness of healthy practices and their actual behaviour.

Safety preparedness remained weak. Only 37% of kindergartens had emergency exits, 11% had emergency plans, and 15% conducted evacuation training for children and staff. Although 65% had fire extinguishers, many were not functioning effectively.

Children with disabilities represented 3.6% of total enrolment, yet approximately 90% of kindergartens lacked appropriate physical adaptations. Ninety-eight percent of sanitation facilities were unsuitable for children with disabilities, classroom furniture and learning materials were largely inaccessible, and 64% of teachers had received no specialised training on disability inclusion.

The assessment concluded that approximately 75% of enrolled children achieved satisfactory physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and social development outcomes. However, 20–25% did not reach age-appropriate developmental indicators.

The study recommends increased investment in early childhood education, a comprehensive WASH improvement plan, stronger safety and emergency systems, accessible infrastructure, continuous teacher development, play-based and inclusive curricula, improved parent-kindergarten communication, and stronger partnerships with community organisations, NGOs, and the private sector.