Yemeni Teachers Face Dire Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict
On World Teachers' Day, celebrated on October 5, Yemeni teachers are grappling with unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing war and economic instability in the country. Hisham Al-Tuwaij, a teacher in Taiz, highlights the harsh reality of receiving a meager salary of 90,000 Yemeni riyals (approximately $47), which is insufficient to meet the basic needs of his family of five. The devastating impact of the conflict has led to a significant decline in educational quality and accessibility, with over 2.4 million children of school age not enrolled in school, according to a World Bank report.
Education Sector in Crisis
The education sector in Yemen has been severely affected by the war, with a staggering 8.5 million children needing humanitarian assistance. Many teachers have had to leave the profession due to inadequate salaries, while others resort to hiring volunteers to fill the gaps, often paying them half of their salaries. The ongoing political division exacerbates the situation, as teachers in Houthi-controlled areas have not received salaries for nearly eight years, while those in government-controlled areas struggle to make ends meet with their meager pay.
The Hope for a Better Future
Despite these challenges, some Yemeni teachers remain committed to their roles, with efforts underway to recruit volunteer teachers to mitigate staff shortages. However, the overall sentiment among educators is one of despair, as they face a deteriorating educational landscape. Abdul Rahman Al-Maqtari, Secretary-General of the Yemeni Teachers Syndicate, stresses the urgent need for the government and international organizations to improve the situation of teachers, including the disbursement of living allowances and the implementation of health insurance. As the educational crisis deepens, the hope for a brighter future for Yemen's children hangs in the balance.
