UNDP Yemen: Enhancing educational outcomes: Hadramout authorities provide 17 schools with solar energy systems

In Hadramout Governorate, Yemen, the installation of solar energy systems in schools has emerged as a pivotal development in addressing the chronic energy shortages that have long hindered the functioning of the governorate's education sector. With support from the Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, funded by the European Union, local authorities have installed solar energy systems in 17 schools across Mukalla, Tarim, and Al-Qatn. This initiative aimed to improve both the learning environment and the operational efficiency of schools.

Power cuts have had a considerable impact on school activities. Intisar, the principal of a school in Mukalla, describes the difficulties faced before the solar energy systems were introduced: “Before, we suffered from power outages that lasted for days. All scheduled work had to be delayed, including administrative orders and correspondence. Printing exams, for instance, required us to stay at school until late in the evening, sometimes until 10:00 pm, waiting for electricity.” 

These disruptions placed additional stress on both teachers and administrative staff, making it difficult to maintain a consistent and productive school schedule.

The lack of electricity also made classrooms uncomfortable, especially in the heat of summer. The intense temperatures, coupled with the absence of power, led to health concerns for students, with several fainting each day due to the suffocating conditions. As a result, academic performance suffered, and students' motivation and retention were affected by the challenging environment.

Recognising the need for a more sustainable solution, local authorities prioritised the installation of solar energy systems as part of their resilience and recovery plan. Ahmad, the Head of the Ministry of Education Office in Mukalla, explains, “We received many complaints from schools about the power outages. After attending capacity-building workshops supported by the SIERY Project, we decided to make the provision of solar energy systems in schools a key part of our recovery plan.” This decision reflects a practical approach to addressing the pressing needs of the education system in Hadramout.

The solar power systems installed in these 17 schools include energy-efficient appliances designed to ensure sustainability. The systems not only provide a more reliable source of electricity but also reduce the schools’ reliance on costly fuel-powered generators. This has resulted in cost savings, as well as an environmental benefit by decreasing the use of fossil fuels.

The impact of the solar energy systems on the schools has been noticeable. Teachers have observed improvements in both student engagement and their own ability to deliver lessons. Ms. Arwa, a teacher at one of the schools, notes, “We have seen a major change. Students are more motivated, they understand lessons better, and we can deliver lessons more effectively.” 

Students, too, have expressed appreciation for the improvement in their learning environment. Nabat, a student, comments, “The situation was unbearable in the classrooms, especially in the summer. Now, we can focus.”

In addition to improving the physical conditions of the schools, the reliable energy supply has enabled the integration of digital tools in classrooms. This has facilitated the use of computers and the Internet, which were previously unavailable due to the frequent power interruptions. These resources are expected to enhance the quality of education in the long term by supporting digital learning initiatives.

The role of local authorities in Hadramout has been central to the success of this project. Their decision to prioritise solar energy as a solution to power shortages in schools reflects a clear understanding of the challenges facing the education sector. Ahmad, the Head of the Ministry of Education Office in Tarim, sums up the importance of the project: “This project is vital. It allows us to complete our work more efficiently and ensures that the educational needs of students are met in a more sustainable manner.”

By addressing the challenges of unreliable electricity, local authorities have taken a significant step towards improving the educational environment and supporting the broader goal of achieving Quality Education, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.