Local authorities in Lahj and eight other governorates in Yemen have ramped up efforts to restore education and revitalize economic prospects through the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project.
Through targeted investments—ranging from equipping Ministry of Education offices and providing staff with continuous professional development, to rehabilitating adult literacy centers and schools— local authorities are working to ensure that communities have access to the educational opportunities they so urgently need.
Supported by the SIERY Project, local authorities have provided technical training for Ministry of Education staff on a variety of topics, including strategic planning and budgeting. These skills enabled them to prioritize educational needs within local recovery plans.
Subsequently, with grants made available from the SIERY Project, local authorities were able to address these priorities—one of which was the rehabilitation of the Women Adult Literacy Centre building in Lahi governorate. Yet, the assessment revealed that the old building was too far gone, rehabilitation too expensive, and building new was the far better option. This would also provide opportunities to design and build according to needs, use modern techniques and prevent costly long-term maintenance.
An entire new building was designed with input from the local authorities, teachers and users, and completely furnished along with the provision of essential Information and Communication Technology equipment and new furnishings.
“The new center now receives over 40 students daily,” says the Director of the Women Literacy Center. “The improvements have not only enhanced the working conditions for teachers but have also created a more welcoming environment for learners. We are confident that this intervention will make a meaningful impact on both education and community development.”
The center now stands as a space where women can not only learn fundamental skills like reading and writing but also engage with their communities and enhance their livelihoods. By acquiring these essential skills, women are better equipped to pursue meaningful employment opportunities.
This project is just one of the 172 public priorities implemented across the 45 districts in nine governorates, thanks to the generous support of the European Union.