MARIB, Yemen — The local authority in Marib Governorate has approved a monthly incentive of 70,000 Yemeni riyals for all teachers actively working in the region. This decision, announced by the governor, Major General Sultan Al-Aradah, is part of efforts to support educators amid ongoing economic challenges.

Dr. Ali Al-Abab, the Deputy Minister of Education and head of the Education Office in Marib, confirmed that checks for the monthly bonus, which covers four and a half months of payments for each teacher, have already been issued. The funds are pending approval from the governor before being transferred to the bank for disbursement.

The monthly incentive has been in place for three years, starting at 20,000 riyals in its first year and increasing to 30,000 riyals last year. Following a proposal from the Education Office, the governor approved the current 70,000 riyals, funded by the local authority.

Al-Abab noted that the bonus is intended solely for teachers actively working in the field, with those who have disengaged from their duties excluded. “This incentive is designed to motivate those on the ground,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of encouraging commitment and discipline among educators.

He added that extensive efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the beneficiary lists, with several committees established to monitor eligibility and verify that only active educators receive the bonus. The checks were signed two days ago and sent to the governor for final approval.

In addition to the financial support, Al-Abab highlighted the governor's commitment to improving the education sector, including plans to construct new schools and provide educational resources to enhance learning conditions.

He acknowledged the significant challenges teachers have faced since the Houthi group's takeover of the capital, Sana'a, which has led many to abandon their posts. In Houthi-controlled areas, educators have not received salaries for seven years, while those in government-held regions struggle with the devaluation of the Yemeni rial.

Despite these hardships, the Yemeni government continues to pay monthly salaries based on pre-2014 rates. However, the sharp decline in currency value has drastically reduced teachers' earnings, with the minimum salary plummeting from $200 in 2014 to less than $50 this year.