LocationsA new school brings hope to Deir Al-Mahjoub Village, Yemen
September 10, 2024
Students sitting on the floor at the old school in Deir Al Mahjoub Village, Bajel District, Hodeidah Governorate.
“The students study in the old school, while their eyes are on the new one,” says Basem, school construction project contractor.
In Deir Al-Mahjoub Village, located in Bajil District of Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen, around 200 families reside, the majority of whom rely on agriculture as their primary source of income.
The village had only one school, built in 1984. Despite its large size, years of neglect led to collapsed ceilings, broken floors, and dilapidated walls and stairs. The state of the school had become a threat to the wellbeing students, as opposed to a haven for education.
Ahmed, a concerned father, talks about the poor conditions at the old school.
Parents were not comfortable sending their children to learn in the school, and some hesitated to do so based on concerns with the poorly maintained infrastructure potentially collapsing. With the next closest school 11 kilometers away, the journey was too far for students to make on foot.
Ahmad, a father of five, describes the challenges at Deir Al-Mahjoub school, “The old building had collapsed ceilings, broken floors, and no chairs or tables. It wasn’t a suitable learning environment.”
Ahmed, a concerned father, talks about the poor conditions at the old school.
Basem, a school construction project contractor, discusses students’ struggles in the old school, “The dilapidated school, with its inadequate facilities, had a detrimental effect on students' psychological state and their ability to learn."
Bassem, the school construction contractor, highlights previous challenges and positive changes made by the new school.
The local community committee, formed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), prioritized building a new school as part of the 'Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen Joint Programme (ERRY JP III),' which aims to strengthen community bonds and improve basic services.
With ERRY JP III funding thanks to the European Union and Government of Sweden, residents actively contributed to the school's construction. Omar, the head of community committee in Deir Al Mahjoub Village, says, “Our community's collective efforts have made this long-awaited dream a reality.”
Omar, the head of community committee, shares how the village united to build their new school.
When the school was finally finished, community members were overjoyed. The new school possesses everything the old building lacked: strong walls, a sturdy roof, and plenty of space for children to learn. It provides an educational environment where students can feel safe and comfortable.
Ahmed, a 50-year-old father, expresses the positive impact of the project, “The school will ensure continued education in our village and nearby areas; it’s accessible to all.”
Basem highlights the school's modern features, “The new school has solar energy, fans, and new blackboards, which will help students feel more comfortable."
The newly constructed school in Deir Al Mahjoub Village, Bajel District, Hodeidah Governorate.
Students no longer have to sit on the ground, worrying about collapsing ceilings or getting wet in the rain. They can focus on their studies and dream of a bright future.
Yasser, a primary school student, looks forward to a better educational environment in the new school.
Yasser, a fourth-grade student, expressed his excitement for the new school and his aspirations to become an electrical engineer.
The new school, accommodating over 108 students (including 41 girls), has transformed lives in Deir Al-Mahjoub. Parents can now confidently send their children to school, supporting their education and future career paths.
The ERRY III Joint Programme's local governance interventions, generously supported by the European Union and the Government of Sweden and implemented with local partner the Social Fund for Development, highlight the importance of community involvement in contributing to sustainable development. This participatory approach has supported unity and cooperation, ultimately fostering a better environment in which to educate Yemen’s young leaders of tomorrow.
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