From Grade One and Beyond: Dalal’s Determination to Learn
Improve education outcomes for children both in and out of school
- English
- العربية
This programme, supported by UNICEF and the Government of Japan, aims to improve learning outcomes for children in and out of school by providing sustainable education services in Taiz Governorate.
The disruption of education due to the conflict in Yemen remains one of the most critical challenges facing an entire generation. An estimated 3.2 million school-aged children are currently out of school, jeopardizing their learning opportunities and future prospects.
These challenges are even more pronounced for children with disabilities. According to the Yemen Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2022-2023, 18% of children aged 2-17 years have at least one functional difficulty, which is the internationally recognized measure of disability among children.
Dalal Mohammed, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student from Al-Misrakh District in Taiz Governorate, was born with a disability affecting her lower limbs, Dalal has faced difficult circumstances since Grade one.
“I used to take Dalal to school every day since she was in Grade 1. I would place her on a chair in her classroom and take her back home at the end of the school day.”
Samar did this for Dalal every day for five years, until it became difficult for her to carry her on her own. That was when Dalal’s father bought her a wheelchair.
“Dalal used to be among the top students every year. She is a smart girl, and I am proud of her,” said Samar.
When Dalal received a wheelchair, she became much more independent. The wheelchair became her constant companion. However, after five years of use, it began to need frequent repairs. When the family could no longer afford the maintenance costs, Dalal was eventually forced to stay at home. She stopped going to school and became increasingly depressed.
“Because of the circumstances I went through, I stayed at home and could not go to school every day. I would only study my books at home and sit for the final exams. I felt sad because I love going to school, but my condition made it difficult for me, said Dalal.
Social worker Buthaina Abdulrahman explains: “Dalal’s case was identified through the community committees, and she was visited at home.”
She continues: “Her wheelchair was broken down, and her family’s circumstances meant that she could no longer leave the house or continue her education.”
"She participated in psychosocial support sessions to help her overcome the challenges she was facing. We also repaired her wheelchair, enabling her to move more easily and regain her motivation to attend school.”
Dalal’s mother says: “Dalal did not feel happy… and we did not have the money repair her wheelchair.” She adds: “The support she got improved my daughter’s physical and psychological well-being. She is now able to leave the house, return to school and continue her education.”
Dalal hopes to continue her education through university and specialize in law to become a lawyer.
“I am thankful for Miss Bothaina for supporting me. She motivated me and gave me support. I feel better and want to continue my education and achieve my dreams,” Dalal said.
Improving learning outcomes for children
The UNICEF and Government of Japan-supported programme aims to improve education outcomes for children both in and out of school through a comprehensive education strategy built on four pillars. Through social and behaviour change activities to promote enrolment at the appropriate age, 947 children were reached. A further 6,000 at-risk students received interventions aimed at preventing school dropout, while 1,669 out-of-school children were engaged through alternative and remedial learning pathways. In addition, 290 teachers received training in foundational literacy and numeracy skills for early grades, strengthening the quality of education and support systems overall.
For Dalal, joining the education programme marked a turning point. Through this comprehensive approach, she was able to return to structured learning environments filled with hope.
