Two years after Cyclone Daniel struck the city of Derna in eastern Libya on September 11, 2023, the city is witnessing a remarkable transformation from devastation to recovery, with schools reopening this year without delay marking a significant milestone in this shift.

The return of students to their classrooms was not merely a resumption of the educational process but became a clear indicator of infrastructure revival and economic activity resuming in the afflicted city.

Education as a Gateway to Recovery

In September 2025, most schools in Derna across various neighborhoods opened their doors following rehabilitation efforts that included repairing infrastructure and equipping educational and service facilities.

Abdullah Abu Al-Naja, Director of Media and Communication at the Derna Education Monitoring Department, told Al Jazeera Net in an exclusive statement that about 95% of educational institutions have fully resumed operations, compared to only 60% last year.

He explained that school life “has returned very beautifully, which positively reflected on the entire city,” adding that “the reopening of educational institutions brought back activity to various economic and social sectors, as education is the foundation of any city.”

Abu Al-Naja noted that the new academic year started according to the state’s general plan, unlike last year which saw delays due to lack of facilities. He believes that the regularity of studies “restored confidence and hope to citizens and represented a turning point in the return of economic activity to the city.”

Before the Disaster: Weak Investments and Dilapidated Infrastructure

Before the cyclone, Derna—located on Libya’s northeastern coast—suffered from weak public investments and gradual deterioration of educational and health infrastructure.

The two main dams protecting the city from floods (Al-Bilad Dam and Bou Mansour Dam) had suffered chronic neglect before the disaster, leading to their collapse when Cyclone Daniel hit the area, causing destructive floods that swept through residential neighborhoods, schools, and public facilities.

According to a joint report issued on January 24, 2024, by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union, the reconstruction needs in the affected areas, led by Derna, amounted to about $1.8 billion, while total losses were estimated at more than $1.65 billion.

Reconstruction Fund and Vital Projects

On September 28, 2023, the Derna Reconstruction Fund and affected areas was established by a decision of the House of Representatives to coordinate reconstruction projects.

During 2024, the fund began implementing vital projects, including maintenance of the Al-Bakur Bridge, development of educational facilities, hospitals, and electricity and water networks.

According to the report “Derna’s Journey from Ruin to Renewal,” more than 2,000 modern housing units were built and public facilities such as schools and parks were equipped, alongside traffic connection and bridge projects.

However, some international reports, including one by Human Rights Watch, still point to challenges related to transparency and governance in managing reconstruction funds and resource distribution.

Education as an Economic Driver

Economic analyst Medhat Al-Ghadamsi believes that “economic recovery only occurs after social stability, and the reopening of schools in Derna reflects a positive social state following the tragedy of Cyclone Daniel and its severe human and material losses.”

Al-Ghadamsi told Al Jazeera Net that “the return to study is an indicator of improved infrastructure and availability of human resources and necessary means, which reflects on supply and demand, market activity, and supply chains related to educational supplies and social services.”

He added that “economic sustainability requires integration between reconstruction paths, infrastructure, and public services—such as education, health, energy, and municipalities—along with activating other productive sectors like ports, transportation, trade, industry, agriculture, tourism, and financial services,” considering this integration “creates a sustainable economic cycle that encourages investment and the use of modern technologies.”

Voices from Derna

Iman Issa, a Derna resident, told Al Jazeera Net that “the return to schools this year is much better than last year, despite some obstacles such as delayed arrival of textbooks and overcrowding of more than one school in a single building.”

She added that the city “has become more modern and organized, with clear service and living improvements that facilitate citizens’ lives and meet their daily needs.”

She pointed out that “life in Derna is gradually returning to normal, and the quality of new facilities has greatly alleviated residents’ suffering after the disaster,” affirming that “residents feel great relief at their children returning to school without delay.”

She concluded, “What gives us hope most is the reconstruction projects being implemented with the latest technologies and quality never seen before, which truly makes us feel that Derna is recovering.”

Ongoing Challenges

Despite noticeable improvement, the city faces several economic and administrative challenges. According to Abdullah Abu Al-Naja, about 1,500 teachers in Derna are still awaiting the release of their salaries after many have worked for more than two years without pay, warning that “their stopping work could cause a real educational crisis.”

He confirms that “the economic stagnation witnessed in the city at the start of the academic year due to delayed salary payments has begun to decline after improved liquidity, which revived commercial activity especially in stationery and clothing shops.”

Between Yesterday and Tomorrow

Although the recovery rate in Derna is currently estimated at about 80%, according to statements by Abdullah Abu Al-Naja and updates from the Reconstruction Fund, the city has shifted from a relief phase to development.

Rebuilding bridges, roads, and housing projects have restored life to areas that were nearly destroyed, such as Al-Bilad and Al-Wadi bridges, while the Reconstruction Fund is working to complete basic service infrastructure.

Thus, the return of education in Derna appears not only as an educational event but also as an economic and social indicator reflecting the start of a new phase in the recovery process.

While challenges remain, the will to rebuild, local community participation, and continued support for service sectors may make Derna a unique Libyan model for reconstruction based on sustainable developmental foundations.