Improving Access to Quality Education in Yemen (IAQY) FY 2021 Year 3 - Quarter 3 Report

The crisis has left three million people internally displaced, including 1.58 million children. The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the education of children in Yemen, with more than two million school-age children out of school due to poverty, conflict, and lack of educational opportunities. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has disrupted the stability of the country, operations, and movement. Heavy clashes and artillery in Al-Dhale'e governorate have forced aid, commercial traffic, and civilians to divert onto long and dangerous routes, reducing humanitarian access and increasing journey time and costs. The escalating hostilities in the southwestern area of Al-Dhale'e have disrupted the main south-to-north goods route and led to the displacement of thousands. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant risk in Yemen, given the limited capacity of the country's health system and shortages of medicine, equipment, and personal protection equipment (PPE). The Houthi authorities in Yemen have suppressed information about the dangers and impact of COVID-19 and undermined international efforts to provide vaccines in areas under their control. As of the end of June, reports indicate that the total number of Coronavirus cases in Yemen is 7,080, with 1,377 deaths and 4,104 recoveries. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is implementing an education project in Al Dhale'e governorate, with the goal of providing access to safe and functional education services for out-of-school children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to expand access to education and increase enrollment in schools. To achieve this goal, the IRC has reactivated 42 Father and Mother Councils (FMCs) in all 42 supported formal schools and 20 Community-Based Centers (CBCs) in the five districts of Al Dhale'e governorate. The reactivation of FMCs has brought on board 98 FMC members, including 89 males and 9 females, to support the schools and link the IRC education team, the schools, and the community. The representation of women members in the FMCs is still low, despite efforts made by the IRC education team to advocate for and encourage women's participation. Social customs, domestic responsibilities, and restrictions on movement have been identified as barriers to women's participation in the FMCs. The IRC education team has also implemented education activities in 42 formal schools and 20 CBCs in the five districts of Al Dhale'e governorate. The team has established a strong presence in the governorate, with a focus on providing safe and functional education services to out-of-school children. The project has made significant progress in expanding access to education and increasing enrollment in schools, despite the challenges posed by the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.