About Us

A new future begins with education

The Education for Peace Foundation is a non-political, international initiative committed to rebuilding a thriving education system in conflict-affected regions. 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

This group reflects the first confirmed leaders guiding the development of Education for Peace. As the organisation takes shape, this formation team will continue to grow, bringing in additional expertise across education, governance, safeguarding and operations.

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.

Aron Barnes-Cohen

Sporting Director

Performance and sport-for-development specialist integrating sport into education to foster teamwork and inclusion.

Board of Trustees

The Education for Peace Foundation is in an early stage of formation. We are taking care to build a Board of Trustees that reflects our values of openness, inclusivity, and responsible stewardship. Details of our trustees will be shared in due course.

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 conflict-affected regions. 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.
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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.

How can I support or get involved?

We’re in the early stages of establishing the Foundation.
Ways to follow our work and register interest will be available shortly.

Volunteer and partnership opportunities will be shared here as operations expand.

Our Ambition:

A resilient education ecosystem for future generations. By 2030, we aim to:

522

modern schools built across Gaza

500,000

children reached within five years

30,000

teachers trained and supported

scalable model for restoring education in conflict-affected regions

From Founder

“A thriving education system is the strongest protection a society can offer its children - and the strongest foundation for peace.”

— Dr. Nirit Ofir

Founder & Chair, Education for Peace Foundation