Education Still A Luxury In Yemen

As the summer days come to an end and the back-to-school rush takes over homes across the US, a mix of emotions—excitement for new beginnings, and a hint of sadness as the carefree summer days slip away, fills the air.

But, as we see our kids eagerly run to the bus stop in the morning (or maybe they’re dragging their feet), let us not forget how some children in Yemen only ever dream of being able to go to school.

Harsh Realities

The harsh reality is that there are two million children who are out of education in Yemen. That’s two million children who are struggling just to stay safe, rather than having the opportunity to dream big as they should.

This number is only made worse when you take into consideration that the number of children in Yemen who are facing disruptions to their education is expected to rise to an estimated six million.

After only the first seven years of the conflict (it has now entered its tenth year), one in four schools had been either destroyed, partially destroyed, or repurposed for non-educational means, leaving a devastating impact on not only the children of Yemen’s education, but also on their safety, their emotional development, and their mental health.

Of those schools that are still standing, many of them lack the necessary infrastructure, including adequate WASH facilities. A lack of female teachers – 80% are male – exacerbates gender inequalities, and since 2016 two thirds of teachers have been irregularly paid or have left the profession to seek other forms of income.

Increased Risk

Young girls who don’t complete their education are at an increased risk of early marriage and domestic violence, and the boys that don’t finish find themselves at an exposed risk of being recruited into armed groups, all because they lack a safe place to learn, to grow, and to fulfill their potential.

We can be the difference.

A Safe Haven

Jooh Al-Rahman, the only girl’s orphanage in Sana’a,

 houses almost 70 girls aged from their early developmental stages in life, right through to early adulthood.

It provides a safe haven, where future child brides and domestic violence victims can become future teachers, doctors and lawyers.

It’s a place where their education, their entertainment, their healthcare, hygiene and nutritional needs can all be met.

And it’s a place where dreams become reality.

So, as our kids get ready to go back to school this year, spare a thought for those that don’t have the luxury.

Be the difference we want to see if the world, donate today.