Empowering Girls in Yemen: An Inspiring Educational Project in the Majestic Raymah Mountains

The conflict in Yemen has lasted for over a decade, leaving millions of children without access to education. According to the UN, more than 4.5 million of Yemen’s 10.7 million school-aged children are out of school. This represents a dire situation for the country’s youth.

School infrastructure is also under dire strain. Over 20% of primary and secondary schools are closed, and many children live in remote areas affected by conflict, making it difficult to attend classes. Currently, only 61% of school-aged children are enrolled in school. The quality of education is suffering too, with over 193,000 teachers not receiving salaries or support this year.

In response to these challenges, the All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF) has launched a new education project in Al-Jafariyah, a hard-to-reach district in northern Yemen. This woman-led organization aims to empower youth and women as leaders for change. Implementing projects in the rugged terrain was tough, as many areas are only accessible by traditional means, like donkeys.

The initiative targets four primary and secondary schools, supported by the Yemen Humanitarian Fund. The plan was to rehabilitate seven existing classrooms and build an additional 15 classrooms and three principal offices, increasing enrollment for over 1,000 students. By October 2024, these schools will be better equipped, ensuring a safer and more comfortable learning environment.

The schools now have bathrooms, water tanks, and solar energy systems. Additionally, they received chairs, textbooks, and school bags filled with supplies. Financial incentives were also provided to 69 teachers, enhancing their motivation and support during the year-long project.

However, accessing these remote areas poses significant challenges. For instance, reaching Naama village in the Bani Al-Jaad region is an adventure due to its rugged landscape. Residents use donkeys to transport their goods. Al-Siddiq School in this village received new classrooms built from sustainable stone, but getting materials there was a tedious task involving multiple transportation stages. At times, heavy rains made the roads impassable, forcing materials to be carried by donkeys over long distances.

A key figure in this project was Saddam Cairo, a skilled driver who navigated these perilous routes. Sadly, he lost his life in an accident while trying to deliver materials. His dedication was deeply felt by the community, who relied on him during difficult times. In his memory, the team pushed forward with the project, honoring his commitment to improving education.

The manual labor involved in construction was intense. Workers carried stones up steep slopes, relying on teamwork and resilience. Despite the hardships, the project achieved remarkable success, completing 15 new classrooms and renovating 16 others. This accomplishment is a powerful reminder that collaboration and determination can overcome challenges.

AGF is dedicated to reaching out to the most underserved areas, ensuring children’s rights to education and protection are met. Founded in 2003, AGF has undertaken various educational initiatives in Yemen, aiming to create more safe and effective learning environments for girls and boys throughout the conflict. Their work continues to inspire hope for a brighter future.