Beyond the Classroom: Education, Community Agency, and Social Change among Palestinian Bedouins in Israel

Palestinian Bedouin communities in the Naqab (Negev) face persistent educational inequalities shaped by historical marginalization, structural barriers, and complex social dynamics. Yet, beyond these challenges, community-led educational initiatives offer important examples of agency, resilience, and social transformation. Drawing on qualitative research into alternative schooling and community-based educational initiatives, this presentation explores how Palestinian Bedouin educators and community members create educational spaces that respond to local needs while negotiating broader political, cultural, and institutional constraints. Particular attention is given to the ways these initiatives challenge established gender and social hierarchies, bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary educational aspirations, and expand opportunities for younger generations. By foregrounding community perspectives and lived educational experiences, the presentation moves beyond deficit-oriented narratives to highlight the transformative potential of locally driven education. It concludes by considering the possibilities and limitations of community-led initiatives in advancing educational equity, participation, and collective empowerment.