The Houthis are changing the names of schools in Sana'a: Politicizing education in Yemen
In a move that has sparked widespread controversy and revealed the depth of the ideological crisis in Yemen, the Houthi group (Ansar Allah) continues its systematic campaign to change the names of government schools in the capital, Sana'a, and other areas under its control. The group is replacing the historical and national names of educational institutions with the names of its fallen fighters and leaders, or with slogans reflecting its sectarian and political ideology.
This practice is not new; rather, it is part of a broader strategy the group has pursued since seizing control of Sana'a in late 2014. This strategy aims to reshape Yemeni society's consciousness and national identity in accordance with its vision. The changes have not been limited to schools; they have extended to main streets, hospitals, bridges, and other public facilities, where the names of Yemeni national and historical figures are being erased and replaced with names and slogans exclusively associated with the Houthi movement and its armed conflict.
The general context and its impact on education
Targeting the education sector is seen as the most dangerous aspect of this campaign, as the group seeks to instill its ideology in the minds of future generations. Yemeni observers and activists believe that changing school names is part of a process of “Houthifying education,” which also includes altering curricula, adding materials that glorify the group’s leaders and history, and imposing sectarian activities within schools, such as chanting the Houthi slogan during morning assembly.
The significance of this measure lies in its profound and long-lasting impact. Locally, it politicizes the educational environment, transforming it from a neutral space for knowledge into an arena for ideological conflict, thus jeopardizing the future of children and exacerbating societal divisions. It also provokes widespread anger among students' parents and teachers, who view this move as an erasure of their history and national symbols that once united Yemenis of all affiliations.
Regional and international dimensions
At the regional and international levels, these practices reinforce the stereotype of the Houthi movement as a closed, ideological movement that does not seek to build a modern, civic state, but rather aims to impose its own project by force. Such unilateral steps complicate peace and national reconciliation efforts, demonstrating the group's unwillingness to compromise on its identity and political project, thus making the prospect of a comprehensive political settlement even more difficult. International human rights and humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about the exploitation of children and the politicization of education, warning that these actions will create a generation steeped in a culture of violence and hatred, prolonging the conflict in Yemen for decades to come.
