UNDP Yemen: A second chance at learning - The importance of adult literacy in Yemen

More than 80 percent of Yemenis live in multidimensional poverty. While the ongoing crisis has inflicted immediate and tragic consequences, its broader effects on the country’s economic development have been far-reaching, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. These disparities continue to widen, deeply affecting the most vulnerable communities.

Education has borne the brunt of this crisis. Numerous schools have been either damaged or repurposed for non-educational uses, and an estimated 3.2 million children are out of school. Meanwhile, teachers face constant challenges, both within the classroom and beyond, diminishing their ability to effectively support students and maintain educational standards.

Literacy centres, vital for providing communities with a second chance at education and improving livelihoods, now stand on the brink of collapse. If these challenges remain unaddressed, not only will the prospects for educational recovery be severely jeopardized, but communities’ long-term socio-economic development and well-being will remain firmly out of reach.

Authorities in Lahj in south western Yemen, alongside eight other governorates, have ramped up efforts to restore education and revitalize economic prospects through UNDP’s Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project.

From equipping Ministry of Education offices and providing staff with continuous professional development, to rehabilitating adult literacy centres and schools, UNDP is working with local authorities to ensure that communities have the educational opportunities they urgently need.

"The most pressing issue in Al-Houta District’s education is the high dropout rate among girls. Poverty and other socio-economic factors have led many women and girls to abandon their education."- Intisar, Director of the Literacy and Adult Education Office 

The Women Adult Literacy Centre in Al-Houta had been severely affected by the ongoing conflict. The building, aged and dilapidated, was in a state of disrepair, with cracked walls, unstable foundations and a second floor that had entirely collapsed. The lack of basic amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and restrooms had made it unsafe and uninhabitable.

"Safer, better-equipped classrooms will attract women to join the centre which is crucial to reducing illiteracy and achieving progress for the community at large."- Intisar, Director of the Literacy and Adult Education Office

Supported by the SIERY Project, local authorities provided technical training for the Ministry of Education on a variety of topics, including strategic planning and budgeting. These skills enabled them to prioritize educational needs. Local authorities were able to address these priorities, one of which was the rehabilitation of the Women Adult Literacy Centre. Yet the assessment revealed that the old building was too far gone, and building anew was by far the better and more economical option. Rebuilding would provide opportunities to design according to needs, using modern techniques and avoiding costly long-term maintenance.

The new centre came together with input from local authorities and teachers, and was completely furnished with ICT equipment.

“The new centre now receives over 40 students daily. The improvements have not only enhanced the working conditions for teachers but have also created a more welcoming environment for learners. We are confident that this intervention will make a meaningful impact on both education and community development.”- Intisar, Director of the Literacy and Adult Education Office

The centre is a space where women can not only learn fundamental skills like reading and writing but also engage with their communities and improve their livelihoods. By acquiring essential skills, they are better equipped to pursue meaningful employment. 

Faten, one of the 350 women enrolled in the centre, offers a personal perspective: 

“Before, literacy classes were held in mosques or homes, but it was difficult to convince our families to let us attend. When we heard the new centre was opening, we were relieved. It's much closer and safer. Now, we can finally learn to read and write, which will help us teach our children and assist them with their schoolwork. I have already learned the alphabet and can read basic labels. It is so empowering. I am in the first grade now, and even though we have only been learning for a month, I have already gained so much. I feel much more confident.” - Faten, student

This project is just one of the 172 public priorities implemented across 45 districts in nine governorates, thanks to the generous support of the European Union.