The Education for Peace Foundation is a non-political, international initiative committed to rebuilding a thriving education system in Gaza. We were created in response to a profound local need and are rooted in the belief that education is one of the few forces capable of breaking cycles of conflict.
We are a foundation in formation, assembling the governance, safeguarding, and global partnerships needed to scale this work responsibly and sustainably.
Our story
Our Mission
To provide safe, high-quality education for children in conflict-affected areas — beginning in Gaza - through a network of non-governmental schools designed to promote dignity, peace, and future opportunity.
Meet the team
Leadership and formation team
The people turning vision into reality.
Dr. Nirit Ofir
Founder & Chair
Visionary educator with a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies, recognised for building education systems in war-affected regions and leading global partnerships.
Omar Alawaidha Al-Balawi
Director of Education
Public-policy and national-security specialist leading teacher-training and professional-development programmes for Gaza.
Yasser Almaabda
Deputy Director of Education
Governance and evaluation expert ensuring measurement, transparency, and accountability across the Foundation’s work.
Abdul Hamid Muhamad Buywoush
Pedagogical Director
Years of experience in supporting children and developing talent skills in refugees camps, as well as teaching art with Orient Humanitarian stricken areas.
Danit Leybovich-Shati
Project Director
Project Director specialising in cybersecurity, digital forensics and cross-sector innovation.
Board of Trustees
Responsible for governance, oversight, safeguarding standards, financial stewardship and strategic accountability.
Dr. Nirit Ofir
Founder & Chair
Visionary educator with a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies, recognised for building education systems in war-affected regions and leading global partnerships.
Danit Leybovich-Shati
Project Director
Project Director specialising in cybersecurity, digital forensics and cross-sector innovation.
Aron Barnes-Cohen
Sporting Director
Performance and sport-for-development specialist integrating sport into education to foster teamwork and inclusion.
Shezan Amiji
Strategic Advisor
Strategic Advisor - bringing expertise in strategy, the Middle East, and international support.
FAQ
Questions, answered with clarity.
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What is the Education for Peace Foundation?
Education for Peace is an international, non-governmental foundation creating a thriving education system in Gaza. A strictly apolitical and non-religious organisation, it is rooted with local leadership and supported by a global coalition of governments, multilateral agencies, educators, and civil society.
Its mission is to provide safe, high-quality schooling for every child and to build a model of education that can be replicated in conflict-affected regions worldwide.
Why start in Gaza?
Gaza is home to one of the youngest populations on earth and has one of the greatest unmet needs for safe, stable education. Starting in Gaza allows the Foundation to respond to an urgent humanitarian priority while developing a scalable model that can demonstrate how education can restore hope, stability, and future opportunity in conflict-impacted regions.
Is Education for Peace politically affiliated?
No. Education for Peace is a strictly non-political and non-religious humanitarian organisation. It does not align with, represent, or advocate for any political party, government, or ideology. Its sole purpose is to ensure children’s safety, learning, wellbeing, and long-term prospects.
Who oversees the schools and the Foundation?
Governance is provided by an international Board of Trustees, centred around local leadership, supported by advisory and safeguarding committees. Each school will be managed through collaboration between international experts and local leadership, with transparent reporting and independent audit to ensure full accountability.
How is the curriculum developed?
The curriculum is co-created by local educators and international education experts, ensuring global quality standards while fully respecting local culture, identity, and religious values. The curriculum includes Arabic, English, Hebrew, science, mathematics, technology, arts, sports, and civic values, with a strong focus on tolerance, critical thinking, and future employability.
What languages are used in the schools?
Arabic is the primary language of instruction. English and Hebrew are taught as foreign languages to expand students’ future educational and economic opportunities and to encourage cross-cultural understanding.
Where will the schools be located?
Schools will be established across Gaza, with exact locations determined through joint planning between local authorities, community representatives, and international partners.
Who are the Foundation’s partners?
Gaza Organisations and Leaders • The Vatican • Israel • The Palestinian Authority • The United States • Uruguay • Portugal • Spain • Argentina
UN Alliance of Civilizations • OECD education experts • FC Barcelona • Real Madrid Foundation • The Bridge Institute Together, this coalition is proving that collaboration – not conflict – can shape the future.
How can I support or get involved?
You can: Subscribe for updates Share our mission Register your professional interest As operations expand, volunteer and partnership opportunities will be listed here.
A foundation for the future - by 2030:
522
schools built across Gaza
500,000
children reached within five years
30,000
teachers trained and supported
xxx
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From Founder
“A thriving education system is the strongest protection a society can offer its children - and the strongest foundation for peace.”
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