යුද ගැටුම් නිසා අධ්‍යාපනය අහිමි යේමන දරුවන්

Yemen's children struggle for education amid decade-long conflict

June 20 marked World Refugee Day, shedding light on Yemen's children who have endured nearly a decade-long conflict that has uprooted millions, depriving them of homes and educational opportunities.

In the southwestern province of Taiz, 11-year-old Muhammad Abdo fled to the south with his family four years ago from escalating conflict in the west, where they have faced hunger and hardship, prioritizing survival over schooling.

"My father suffers from mental illness. I had to work to support my younger brothers. My older brother passed away, leaving behind his children. In this situation, I don't have time to go to school," Abdo told China Central Television (CCTV).

For four years, Abdo had to forsake schooling to work on nearby farms. But hope for education flickered back to life in Abdo's displacement camp, with a makeshift school funded by donations.

"I miss school and the feeling of reading. I had forgotten what that felt like. Now teachers are teaching us again, and I have rediscovered the joy of reading and writing," said Abdo.

According to UNICEF, Yemen has 12 million school-age children, with 4.5 million being out of school, posing a monumental challenge for the country's educational system. Rebuilding schools, rehiring teachers, and ensuring they receive salaries remain critical amid ongoing conflict.

"We are very happy to see them back in school. However, we need more aid. We need to be provided with campuses, books, uniforms, and food to ensure they can continue their educational journey," said Tawfiq Hassan, who is teaching at the makeshift school.

Due to displacement, Abdo missed four years of schooling and is now in fourth grade, significantly older than his classmates.

"My dream is to become a teacher and teach students in school," said Abdo.

Education remains pivotal in reshaping Yemen's future, crucial for the well-being of displaced children and refugees. Addressing political disputes and achieving a ceasefire are essential for improving conditions and upholding their educational rights, fostering stability for Yemen's recovery.

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