“From Destruction to Hope: The Future of Education and Science in Gaza” Event

Çankırı Karatekin University’s (ÇAKÜ) Science Communication Office, in collaboration with the Çankırı International Students Association, hosted a panel discussion titled “From Destruction to Hope: The Future of Education and Science in Gaza” at the Seljuk Otağı on the Uluyazı Campus.

The gathering brought together ÇAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Karataş, President of the Çankırı International Students Association Kasım Karatekin, university administrators, faculty members, and international students.

The panel featured three Gazan speakers from the university community: Faculty of Islamic Sciences lecturer Reşat Ermiş, civil engineer and 2024 ÇAKÜ alumnus Husain Jarrar, and current civil engineering student Fatma Alamer.

Rector Karataş: “Education Is a Bridge from Destruction to Hope”

Opening the event, Rector Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Karataş highlighted the ongoing severe impact of the humanitarian crisis on hundreds of thousands of Gazan students who have been deprived of safe learning environments, basic educational materials, and intact infrastructure. Praising the resilience of students striving to continue their learning under extreme hardship, Rector Karataş stated: Education is a bridge from destruction to hope. It is not merely a process of acquiring knowledge, but a vital force that enables individuals and societies to rebuild their future. Every reopened classroom and every turned page represents a renewal of hope.

"As ÇAKÜ, we remain fully committed to supporting our Palestinian students" 

Addressing Türkiye’s support for Palestinian students, Rector Karataş stated that Çankırı Karatekin University is ready to fulfill its responsibilities in helping Palestinian students continue their education in Türkiye.

Addressing international students, Rector Karataş said, “You are at home, so please feel at ease.” He added that students could share any difficulties they encounter with the university administration, academics, and their advisors, and that the university is ready to provide them with all necessary support throughout their education.

Expressing his belief that the ties of brotherhood between Türkiye and Palestine will continue to grow stronger in academic, cultural, and humanitarian terms, Karataş also highlighted the importance of education and science in helping societies recover and rebuild. 

Speakers from Gaza Discuss the Future of Education and Science

Following Rector Karataş’s remarks, the speakers from Gaza discussed the impact of the destruction in Gaza on education, the challenges faced by students, and possible efforts to support the future of education and science.

The speakers noted that schools and educational infrastructure in Gaza have been extensively damaged, students face difficulties accessing basic educational materials, and safe learning environments have been severely disrupted.

Despite these challenges, they emphasized that students continue to learn, teachers continue to teach, and engineers and scientists continue to seek solutions, stressing that education will play a vital role in the reconstruction of Gaza.

“The Reconstruction of Gaza Will Begin with Educating a New Generation”

Reşat Ermiş emphasized that rebuilding Gaza requires more than restoring physical structures, it depends on nurturing a highly skilled generation. He noted that engineers, physicians, educators, and scientists will be essential to societal recovery, expressing gratitude to Turkish universities for providing uninterrupted educational opportunities to Palestinian youth.

“We Do Not Want to See Only What Has Been Destroyed; We Also Want to See What Will Be Rebuilt”

Husain Jarrar reflected on how the loss of academic spaces affects young people's aspirations.

He stressed that Gaza should be recognized not only for its conflict and destruction, but for its resilient scholars, engineers, and researchers who remain dedicated to knowledge creation and physical reconstruction.

Stating that rebuilding Gaza will require more than reconstructing buildings, Jarrar emphasized that true reconstruction will begin with educating a knowledgeable and well-equipped generation.

“It Is Very Important for Us Not to Give Up on Education”

Fatma Alamer, a current civil engineering undergraduate, detailed the daily obstacles students face regarding fundamental supplies like textbooks and basic learning facilities.

She noted that preserving access to higher education remains the cornerstone of long-term stability and self-determination for the Palestinian people.

Highlighting the importance of Türkiye’s support for Palestinian students, Alamer thanked universities and academics for their support and expressed her belief that the future of Gaza will be shaped by a generation that is free to learn, create, and pursue its dreams.

The event concluded with remarks from the speakers and contributions from participants.