Summary
In Yemen, many children are leaving school to work and help their families survive. Years of war have caused economic hardship, forcing millions of children to stop their education and find jobs like collecting plastic bottles. Although fighting has decreased, access to education remains a major problem.
Key Facts
- Qasim, 14, and his 12-year-old brother collect plastic bottles daily to earn money for their family's food.
- Over 3 million school-aged children in Yemen are out of school, with 1.5 million displaced and at risk of dropping out permanently.
- The conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed government has lasted more than ten years, severely disrupting life and education.
- Yemen’s economy has suffered losses estimated at over $250 billion due to the war.
- Unemployment in Yemen has reached around 35 percent, affecting adult workers including university graduates.
- Many parents feel education is not worthwhile because graduates struggle to find jobs matching their training.
- UNICEF and officials warn that dropping out harms children's future chances despite current economic pressures.
