USAID is helping reach the most vulnerable children in Yemen and providing critical support to help the education system withstand the immediate impact of the crisis.

Since the latest conflict erupted, widespread displacement, damage to schools, and general insecurity have left millions of children without reliable access to schooling. Many have also been exposed to serious psychological trauma, further putting their education at risk. Over 1,000 schools have been partially or completely destroyed or are being used to host internally displaced people (IDPs). Many of the roughly 2.2 million IDPs in Yemen are students or teachers, which further contributes to education gaps. Insecurity and shortage of funds are also affecting the Ministry of Education’s ability to provide education services, including end-of-year year national exams.

USAID’S RESPONSE AND EXPECTED RESULTS

USAID/Yemen is helping restore access and facilitate re-entry to basic education with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education through the following activities:

• Back to school campaign: Support for a country-wide campaign using electronic and print media with communities and parent father/mother councils will help increase enrollment. This campaign is also providing 70,000 students with school bags and basic learning supplies.
• School operating costs and rehabilitation: USAID is helping ensure that 200 schools can continue to serve at least 70,000 students by covering the schools’ day-to-day expenses and supporting minor repairs to ensure an environment conducive to learning.
• Grade 9 and 12 national exams: 600,000 students who are in school must complete year-end exams to continue or complete their education. USAID’s support will allow these critical exams to be conducted safely and effectively, helping to ensure the future success of students.
• Self-learning program for out of school children: This pilot program allows15,000 students in the highest risk areas who cannot access schools to continue their educations. The ID.GOV USAID YEMEN 2 |
• program’s curriculum was developed in close coordination with Ministry of Education officials to assure that students can earn diplomas and re-integrate into formal schools when possible. After this pilot phase, UNICEF plans to expand the program to reach even more students in need.
• Psychosocial support for the most affected children: The psychological trauma children face after prolonged exposure to displacement, instability, and conflict can have long term consequences for them and their communities. This activity works with teachers, families, and communities to help over 1,300 children receive one-on-one referrals to overcome these impacts and helping address the risks of negative coping mechanisms that emerge in conflict.
• Safer school project: USAID is supporting the development and implementation of safety and emergency plans for 100 schools across 11 governorates to help ensure that schools can protect their students and are seen by families a safe space for their children, even as conflict continues.

PROJECT PARTNERS

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Yemen Ministry of Education