General context and historical importance of supporting education in Yemen
Since the outbreak of the Yemeni crisis, the country's infrastructure has suffered widespread destruction, with the education sector being among the hardest hit. This has resulted in thousands of schools being forced to close, depriving millions of children of their fundamental right to education. In this critical context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest donor of humanitarian and development aid to Yemen. Since its establishment the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has taken on the responsibility of alleviating human suffering, with a particular focus on saving future generations by supporting the education sector and preventing its collapse.
Details of the launch of the project to support educational services
Continuing these efforts, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center launched a vital project entitled “Supporting the Continuity of Educational Services and the Recovery of the Education Sector from the Effects of the Crisis and Displacement in Yemen,” in strategic partnership with the International Organization for Migration. The project aims to provide a safe and well-equipped learning environment.
The project includes a comprehensive action plan encompassing the rehabilitation and expansion of 12 schools across three major governorates: four schools in Aden Governorate, three in Lahj Governorate, and five in Taiz Governorate. Construction work has included the building of 44 new classrooms and two administrative offices, in addition to the rehabilitation of 120 existing classrooms, 10 science labs, 13 administrative offices, and five school supply storage facilities. The project also includes the construction of 10 restrooms and the rehabilitation of 124 other facilities to ensure the integration of school services.
Reliance on sustainable energy and technical equipment
In an innovative step to overcome the challenges of power outages in Yemen, and as part of its support for sustainable energy, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center will equip eight schools with integrated solar power systems. The schools and administrative offices will also be furnished with 1,030 double desks and 98 whiteboards. To ensure efficient administrative operations, modern equipment and technology, including printers and electrical connections, will be provided. This large-scale project is expected to benefit 18,000 students.
Expected impact and official praise
This project has a profound impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, it contributes to reducing school dropout rates and protecting children from exploitation. Regionally and internationally, it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 4: Quality Education). Omar Baslim, Head of the Technical Office at the Yemeni Ministry of Education, praised the project, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, emphasizing that it represents a significant and valuable addition to the expansion and rehabilitation of public schools.
Baslim praised the leading humanitarian and developmental role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the educational process and enhancing its stability. This comes within the framework of a series of sustainable relief and humanitarian projects implemented by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm to improve the educational system and develop the infrastructure of educational institutions in various Yemeni governorates.
