Local authorities in Marib Governorate are gearing up for the start of the new academic year 2024-2025, despite the ongoing conflict and challenges facing the education sector in Yemen.

Dr. Al-Abab, the Deputy Minister of Education in the internationally recognized government and Director of the Education Office in Marib, spoke to Barran Press about the preparations, which include printing textbooks and hiring new teachers.

Al-Abab stated that the local authorities in Marib, under the leadership of Major General Sultan Al-Arada, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, have taken the initiative to print textbooks at their own expense.

He also highlighted the recruitment of 1,300 new teachers this year to address the teacher shortage. This recruitment, he emphasized, was also funded by the local authorities in Marib, reflecting their ongoing support for the education process.

The Education Office is expecting the first shipment of textbooks from printing presses tomorrow. Other preparations include coordinating with several organizations to build new schools.

“We have opened some schools in recent months, and others will be opened in the coming days to accommodate the increasing student population in the governorate,” Al-Abab said, noting that the student population in Marib has increased by 700% compared to previous years.

Al-Abab also highlighted the Education Office's coordination with education partners and local authorities to overcome the obstacles facing the education process. He stated that despite these challenges, Marib's education is progressing well compared to previous years.

He urged students to work hard and persevere, emphasizing that their efforts are crucial for building and preserving the nation.

Addressing the teachers, Al-Abab said, "You are the candles that burn for our students. The situation in Yemen is dire, and you are part of this country. We must sacrifice for our students and for our nation. We, at the Ministry of Education, will do everything in our power to ensure you receive all your allowances."

He also addressed parents and the community, saying, "You are the support and backbone, a pillar of the education process. You must play your role in encouraging your children to attend school at the start of the academic year."

On Sunday morning, the Deputy Minister of Education and Director of the Marib Education Office, along with Ali Al-Fatmi, the Deputy Governor of Marib, inaugurated the new academic year 2024-2025 in all schools across the governorate.

During the inauguration, they highlighted the significance of the simultaneous launch of the new academic year and the distribution of textbooks, which they considered a victory for the education front. They praised the high turnout of students and the smooth running of the education process on its first day, as per the school calendar, reflecting the awareness and commitment to the importance of education.

Al-Abab and Al-Fatmi stressed the importance of concerted efforts to ensure the success of the new academic year and improve the quality of its outcomes. They also condemned the systematic destruction of the education sector in Yemen by the Houthi group, which is listed as a terrorist organization by many countries.