Barran Press
On September 9, 2024, Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak shared that the voice of a teacher he encountered during a field visit to Hadramaut province continues to linger in his thoughts.
This statement came during his participation in the international conference commemorating the fifth anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, held at the National Convention Center in Doha, Qatar, according to the state news agency Saba.
In his speech, bin Mubarak recounted, "The voice of the teacher who stopped me during my tour in Hadramaut is still vivid in my mind, as he spoke with exemplary authority about the declining value of teachers' salaries."
He emphasized that the teacher's words were unforgettable, as he described with dignity the plight of overworked educators whose salaries barely cover the cost of a basic food basket.
Bin Mubarak focused on the challenges facing the education sector in Yemen due to the ongoing war, urging the international community to support efforts to protect education in both Yemen and Palestine. He highlighted the extensive damage to educational infrastructure in Yemen and its impact on millions of children, asserting the importance of education as a fundamental pillar of development and calling for the protection of schools and teachers from attacks.
The Prime Minister also referenced an educational plan aimed at addressing the crisis in Yemen, reaffirming the country's commitment to achieving education as one of the sustainable development goals. He appealed to the international community for financial and technical support to rebuild schools and provide a safe learning environment.
Additionally, bin Mubarak condemned the systematic targeting of universities and schools in Gaza by Israeli forces, emphasizing the destruction of the educational system and the denial of the Palestinian people's rights, including their right to education.
The conference, organized by the Qatari organization Education Above All, is themed "Education Under Attack: The Human Cost of War." It highlights the severe violations faced by the education sector and children in conflict zones, with the participation of global leaders, senior UN officials, and representatives from civil society organizations worldwide.
In mid-April 2024, Prime Minister bin Mubarak visited the city of Mukalla in Hadramaut to assess the conditions of citizens, monitor service and development efforts, and review the status of vital projects being implemented.