Aden -- The European Union has intensified its support to safeguard Yemeni children from dropping out of school, aiming to restore access to education for thousands affected by years of conflict and displacement.

Press Release Summary

- Over 53,000 out-of-school children in Yemen have received educational and protection services through a three-year initiative funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by UNICEF.

- The project, which ran from July 2021 to June 2024, targeted five governorates: Taiz, Hodeidah, Marib, Ibb, and Hajjah, offering safe and inclusive learning environments.

- In parallel, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), also supported by the EU, provided financial aid for school supplies and rehabilitated schools such as the 14 October School in Marib.

Impact and Challenges

- Yemen’s education system has been severely disrupted, with over 4.5 million children currently out of school due to conflict, poverty, and displacement.

- Many schools lack basic infrastructure, and teachers face shortages in training and resources.

- The EU-backed programs have helped bridge these gaps by:

- Rehabilitating damaged schools

- Training educators

- Distributing learning materials

- Engaging communities to support children’s return to school

A Step Toward Resilience

This European support reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient education system in Yemen, ensuring that children—especially those displaced or living in hard-to-reach areas—can continue learning despite adversity. 

As UNICEF and its partners conclude this phase of intervention, calls are growing for sustained international collaboration to prevent a lost generation and secure Yemen’s future through education.