European Union and UNICEF Provide 57,000 Children Access to Quality Education in Yemen

SANA’A, 25 April 2022 –The EUR13.4 million contribution from the Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department of the European Commission (ECHO) for quality education for children in emergencies in Yemen is an important support to the provision of integrated education and protection services to 57,000 conflict-affected and/or displaced out-of-school children. Through this project, children can continue their education and develop critical knowledge and skills essential for their future.

In Marib governorate, the project targets 20,000 children. UNICEF has already established 50 temporary learning spaces in three internally displaced persons sites enabling about 4,000 children to access non-formal education and child protection services. In addition, more than 200 education personnel were trained on Safe School Protocols (COVID-19 prevention and child safety), more than 600 teachers were provided with community sensitization messages about the importance of education, available education opportunities and safe protocols, and almost 300 children participated in psychosocial support activities.

“Access to quality education is a basic right for every child, including displaced children and those with disabilities,” declared UNICEF Representative to Yemen, Philippe Duamelle. “When their lives are so deeply affected by the conflict, going to school gives children a sense of normalcy even in the most challenging contexts. School is a safe haven which protects children from multiple forms of exploitation. It is critical that all children access education, whoever and wherever they are,” he concludes.

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains one of the worst in the world, with 12.9 million children in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. Out of an estimated 10.6 million school-aged children (6 to 17 years old), at least 2.4 million children remain out of school.

Since 2017, the EU has provided UNICEF with critical support, making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and families with interventions in the fields of education, child protection and nutrition.

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