Meeting in Marib warns of potential collapse of education sector due to halt in humanitarian funding.

An exceptional joint meeting of the Education Block and the Local Authority in Marib has raised alarms about the potential collapse of the public education sector in the province. Marib currently hosts over 62% of Yemen’s displaced population. The cessation of humanitarian support for education and the withdrawal of humanitarian partners threaten to deprive thousands of school-aged children of their right to education. This situation could severely impact development, peace, and social stability in the region.

Call for Immediate Action

The meeting, chaired by Marib Deputy Governor Dr. Abdul-Rabih Muftah, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts among local authorities, the government, and humanitarian partners. They must act swiftly to save the education sector, which struggles to meet the growing challenges and needs of an increasing number of displaced students. Despite previous humanitarian interventions, thousands of displaced children remain outside the education system, with a significant number being girls due to inadequate capacity. Others continue to drop out of school.

Current Educational Challenges

Participants at the meeting discussed the current state of education in Marib, highlighting the mounting challenges and needs that exceed the local authority’s and government’s capabilities. Although humanitarian partners have made efforts to mitigate these issues, the situation remains critical.

During the meeting, reports from the Education Office and the Executive Unit outlined the challenges and needs facing the education sector. These reports addressed the rising number of students due to ongoing waves of displacement and increasing birth rates. Humanitarian support plays a crucial role in sustaining education by providing essential resources to facilitate the educational process. This includes expanding the capacity of existing schools and creating educational opportunities for children in over 200 displacement camps in the province. Unfortunately, many children, especially girls, remain outside the education system. The meeting also discussed the need for school furniture, educational supplies, teacher incentives, and funding for teaching contracts to address staffing shortages.

Education as a Cornerstone for Recovery

Deputy Governor Muftah stressed that education is fundamental to recovery, reconstruction, security, stability, and peace. He described it as a vital investment in healing from war and rebuilding future generations capable of shouldering responsibilities and uplifting the nation. He called for the collective efforts of all official entities, humanitarian partners, and dedicated citizens to prevent the collapse of the education sector.

The Threat of Ignorance

Muftah warned that the collapse of the education sector would plunge thousands of children into ignorance and darkness. He pointed out that Houthi militias have systematically destroyed the education sector to keep the community uninformed and under their control. This strategy aims to use children as fuel for their endless wars against the Yemeni people, neighboring countries, and international peace and security, all while advancing Iranian agendas and perpetuating the destruction of national resources.

A Call to the United Nations

Muftah urged the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to fulfill its moral and humanitarian responsibilities. He called for a thorough assessment of the humanitarian situation in Marib, particularly regarding the displaced population’s needs across various sectors, especially education. He emphasized the dangers of halting humanitarian support for education, warning that it jeopardizes the future of generations and undermines development and peace. Denying these children their right to education constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights, as outlined in international human rights principles.

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