Back to School Campaign: Encouraging Yemeni Students to Continue School through Sports and Recreatio
With funding from the Government of Japan, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education launch the ‘Back to School’ campaign in eight Yemeni governorates
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Students’ faces were aglow with joy as they took part in a marathon organized by the Education Office in the capital Sana’a with support from UNICEF. It was an inspiring sight that reflected students’ excitement to go back to school. 100 students participated in the marathon which started at Bab Al-Yemen and finished at the Orphan School.
"I took part in the marathon and was the first to cross the finish line," says Bashar Al-qadiri, a ninth-grade student from Ahmed Faraj School. "This event motivated me to prepare actively and seriously for the upcoming school year," he added. Bashar continues, "I advise my fellow students to engage in sports; it not only enhances their physical well-being but also boosts their academic performance."
Passion for a new school year
"Extracurricular and sports activities enhance students' educational skills and physical abilities," states Amjad Al-salahi, a ninth-grade student. He adds, "taking second place in the race motivated me to further engage in sports, which will ultimately lead to improving my academic performance." Amjad explains, "Sports activities are an essential component of education."
Honoring winners
“Twelve students were awarded trophies as well as gold and silver medals at the end of the marathon,” says Khaled Ahmed Al Oqbi, Director of the School Activities Department at the Education Office - in Sana’a. “A hundred students, representing the 700,000 students in the capital’s schools, took part in this event which was organized as part of the Back-to-School campaign,” he adds. “Engaging in sports activities is crucial for nurturing students' abilities and talents, as well as fostering their passion for education, while fulfilling their eagerness to play sports,” he says. Al Oqbi expresses gratitude to UNICEF and the Government of Japan for supporting school activities that contribute to showcasing students' talents in various fields.
Free drawing activity
To enhance students' artistic abilities, a group of 100 male and female students took part in the Free Drawing event hosted at Arwa Girls School, with the support of UNICEF. Doa’a Shamsan, a sophomore high student at Al-Ramah School, says: "This event was an opportunity for us to refine our talents and improve our skills." She adds, “All the art supplies we needed were available and that allowed us to create drawings that convey the importance of going back to school. “This activity did not only foster a stimulating learning environment, but also instilled in the students positive attitudes towards education, encouraging them to go back to school,” Doa’a emphasizes.
Promoting education
“I was delighted to begin my school year with an activity that ignites my motivation to study with energy and enthusiasm,” says Joud Ahmed, a junior high student at Arwa School. “I participated in the free drawing competition with a painting that conveys the significance of going back school,” she elaborates. “This event provided me with a valuable chance to connect with students from different schools, allowing us to share experiences and see the diverse talents possessed by all the participants.”
“Extracurricular activities play a significant role in motivating students and fostering their enthusiasm for returning to school,” says Kholoud Al Aini, Activities Organizer at Arwa Girls School. "Five female students were selected from each district to take part in the free drawing event," she adds. “Such activities are a source of motivation for both male and female students, allowing them to showcase their talents and develop the necessary skills to overcome the challenges they encounter during their studies.”
Meaningful drawings
“Organizing school activities holds great significance in motivating students to engage in learning,” says Walid Mokrad, Director of the Talented Students Department. “The primary objective of this event was to refine students’ drawing skills and allow them to express their feelings about the start of the new school year,” she adds.
To motivate students to return to school, the Back-to-School campaign was carried out in ِAmanat AlAssimah, Sana'a, Al Hudaydah, Ibb, Taizz, Hajjah, Marib, and Al Mahwit with the support of UNICEF and funding from the Government of Japan.
