In Yemen’s war-torn landscape, millions of children have been forced to abandon their education to survive. Qasim, a 14-year-old, spends his days collecting plastic bottles to support his family, exemplifying how economic hardship drives children into work rather than school. Despite the importance of education for long-term development, ongoing conflict, destroyed schools, and unpaid teachers have severely limited access to quality schooling.
The prolonged war has disrupted lives across the country, with over 2,400 schools damaged or repurposed, and a collapsing economy affecting both parents and teachers. Many parents view work as a more immediate solution than education, often risking their children’s future for short-term relief. Experts warn that depriving children of education hampers societal progress and violates their human rights, yet economic insecurity and political instability continue to hinder efforts to rebuild the sector.
While some children like Qasim have resigned to learning trades for immediate income, many experts emphasize that sustainable peace and economic stability are essential to restore Yemen’s broken education system and secure children’s futures.