MARIB, Yemen — On January 2, 2024, the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid inaugurated a significant project aimed at reintegrating children formerly associated with armed conflict in Marib Governorate, northeastern Yemen. The initiative specifically targets children who have been forcibly recruited by Houthi militias or who have suffered psychological trauma due to the ongoing war and displacement.

At the launch ceremony, Dr. Abdu Rabbu Miftah, the deputy governor of Marib, praised the King Salman Center’s initiative, highlighting its importance in providing psychological, educational, and intellectual rehabilitation for these vulnerable children. He emphasized that the project plays a crucial role in fostering a generation capable of contributing to Yemen’s reconstruction.

Dr. Miftah pointed out that the program extends beyond psychological treatment, incorporating life skills and educational training that will empower children to build a brighter future. “Today, we see these children acquiring skills that qualify them to be part of Yemen’s rebuilding efforts. Among them will be future engineers, doctors, and pilots, reflecting their immense potential to overcome future challenges and contribute to their homeland,” he stated.

During his visit to the center, the deputy governor toured the facilities, observing the comprehensive services provided to the children. He stressed the significance of the educational and psychological programs available in the classrooms, which include an advanced computer lab designed to enhance their technical skills. He also visited the residential area designated for the children, which offers a safe and comfortable environment, along with relaxation rooms aimed at providing appropriate downtime.

Abdulbari Al-Ahdal, the director of the child reintegration project, confirmed that the initiative includes secure housing for the children, reinstating them in school, and developing their talents through vocational training and social participation. Additionally, the project aims to economically empower the parents of the targeted children by providing them with vocational tools and conducting awareness sessions about children's rights and laws against their recruitment.

The King Salman Center’s child reintegration project represents a significant step towards ensuring the psychological and educational stability of these children, contributing to the development of a generation ready to take on the responsibilities of rebuilding their country. The center continues to provide comprehensive support to these children, opening up vast opportunities for their futures and restoring hope for a life free from the impacts of war.