.jpeg)
This photo appeared recently in the Guardian Weekly. The caption read: Palestinian girls attend a class at a school that witnesses said was damaged by Israeli shelling during the most recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City.
I love this photo.
Yes, it shows girls persevering with their learning in horrendous circumstances- but it also looks normal- just look at the expressions on the girls' faces as they focus, and I love the idea that a hand up to get the teacher's attention is a global phenomenon.
Yes, amazingly, it shows how a classroom can somehow become a target in a battle between opposing forces.
But my biggest YES moment? The teacher!
I am so full of admiration for this anonymous woman who is bravely leading the way in outrageous circumstances. It makes me proud to be in the same profession as her.
I couldn't help comparing this to my classroom and the girls I teach at Woodford House, and the staff I teach with.
I love the place and the people at the school and I don't want to become complacent. I know I need a reminder from time to time of how lucky I am to be here.
I have seen similar places to that in the photo and worked with similar students and teachers - people who have no resources except for their will, integrity, knowledge and, most importantly, their imagination.
I love this photo for giving me a window into a parallel teaching/learning world.
