Aden, April 13, 2024, Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has earmarked $6.2 million to support approximately 827,000 children in Yemen, ensuring their access to quality education opportunities. This significant initiative was carried out in close collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
UNICEF highlighted that KSrelief's funding played a pivotal role in facilitating access to both public and private education for girls and boys from vulnerable backgrounds. Specifically, the funding supported over 527,000 children in participating in national final exams for the 2022-2023 academic year. Furthermore, 300,000 male and female students were provided with school bags and recreational supplies, a measure aimed at motivating their return to school while easing financial burdens on families.
The Kingdom's support extended beyond direct student aid, encompassing improvements in teaching and learning practices within classrooms. This was achieved through the training of 7,520 teachers, both male and female, across 17 governorates. Additionally, hygiene supplies were procured and distributed to benefit 71,956 children and 120 schools.
KSrelief's assistance also enabled UNICEF to conduct five awareness campaigns, reaching nearly 4.9 million individuals including caregivers. These campaigns targeted approximately 26,000 community leaders, officials, and 2,500 families, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of education and hygiene practices.
Commenting on these efforts, UNICEF Representative to Yemen Peter Hawkins underscored the critical role of such initiatives, stating, "One in every four primary school-aged children in Yemen is currently out of school. Moreover, educational outcomes for those able to attend do not align with their age. Thanks to contributions from partners such as KSrelief, UNICEF continues to address the educational needs of vulnerable girls and boys in Yemen."
KSrelief's ongoing partnership with UNICEF reflects a steadfast commitment to providing essential support for life-saving interventions, ultimately enhancing the well-being and opportunities of vulnerable children in Yemen.
