The government welcomes the signing of a grant by the Japanese Embassy and UNICEF to enhance education in Taiz schools.

The Yemeni government has expressed its support for a new education project signed by the Japanese Embassy and UNICEF. This initiative aims to enhance the learning environment in Taiz Governorate, providing high-quality educational opportunities for children, including those who are out of school. The partnership among the Yemeni government, Japan, and UNICEF seeks to achieve national goals for improving education and ensuring equal learning opportunities for all children.

Signing Ceremony Highlights Government’s Commitment

During the signing ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Riyadh on Monday, Taiz Governor Nabil Abdo Shamsan emphasized the Yemeni government’s appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support. He acknowledged Japan’s efforts, along with those of the United Nations, to find a political solution in Yemen and provide humanitarian assistance, particularly in developmental and humanitarian sectors. The recent Japanese grant of $4.2 million will support sustainable educational services in Taiz.

Condemnation of Abductions by Houthi Militias

Governor Shamsan reiterated the Yemeni government’s firm stance against the abduction of United Nations and international organization staff by Houthi militias. These individuals were engaged in humanitarian work to assist Yemeni citizens in Houthi-controlled areas. He called for the immediate release of these abductees from militia custody.

Challenges Facing Yemen’s Education Sector

The governor highlighted the significant challenges facing Yemen’s education sector due to the Houthi coup in 2014. Since then, the education system has endured severe hardships, including extensive damage to educational infrastructure. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs Document indicates that 4.5 million Yemeni children are out of school, painting a grim picture of the situation and threatening to leave the next generation illiterate. Additionally, children in areas with displaced populations struggle to access formal education.

Collaborative Efforts for Educational Improvement

In his remarks, Shamsan stressed that improving educational outcomes in Taiz and across Yemen requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. He underscored UNICEF’s ongoing support for the education sector through the Education Recovery and Learning Project, which collaborates with the Ministry of Education in over 1,100 schools across seven governorates. This initiative aims to enhance basic education, improve learning conditions, and strengthen the education sector’s capabilities.

Continued Commitment to Educational Development

The Taiz governor reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s commitment to improving the educational environment and developing the educational system throughout Yemen in partnership with international organizations and donors.

Japanese Ambassador’s Remarks on the Grant

Japanese Ambassador to Yemen, Nakashima Yuichi, expressed his delight at the signing of the grant from the Japanese government to support Yemeni youth. He pledged to work diligently as Japan’s new ambassador to promote development, peace, and stability throughout Yemen.

Addressing the Impact of War on Education

The ambassador noted that the ongoing war in Yemen, which has persisted for a decade, has deprived millions of Yemeni children of access to education. He emphasized that illiteracy and ignorance not only threaten their present but also jeopardize their future, necessitating urgent action to rescue them from ignorance and secure a better future for Yemen.

Importance of the UNICEF Project

Ambassador Nakashima discussed the significance of the grant provided through UNICEF in raising educational standards in Taiz. He highlighted that the project would not only improve the quality of education for children in schools but also positively impact the broader community. He pointed out Taiz’s historical and developmental importance within Yemen.

UNICEF’s Role in Educational Initiatives

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s representative in Yemen, outlined the project’s significance for the education sector and the selection of Taiz as a model for implementation. He also mentioned other educational initiatives that UNICEF is executing across various regions in Yemen.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards revitalizing Yemen’s education system and ensuring that all children have access to quality learning opportunities.

 

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