The Iran-backed Houthis has mandated the cessation of English language instruction for the first three primary grades in both public and private schools within their areas of control.
A directive from the Houthi-run Ministry of Education, stipulates that Quranic studies will supplant English classes in these early years, with an increased focus on Arabic reading and writing. The ministry, operating under Houthis, now restricts English instruction to grades four through six.
The stated rationale behind this decision is to address perceived declines in academic performance, which the Houthis  attributed to early exposure to foreign languages, notably English.