Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Photo: SPA
In a heartwarming step towards helping children who have been affected by war, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has started a new educational support project in Yemen. This project aims to help thousands of children living in difficult conditions due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
On Thursday, KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a local civil-society organization in Yemen. This agreement focuses on improving education in two specific areas of Yemen: Al Hawtah and Tuban, which are both located in Lahij Governorate.
The signing took place through a video conference, and it was led by Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, who is the Assistant Supervisor-General for Operations and Programs at KSrelief.
Who Will Benefit from the Project?
This initiative is expected to bring direct benefits to 6,833 individuals. But its positive effects will also reach more than 16,000 people indirectly. These include families, school staff, and communities who will gain from a stronger educational system.
The goal is not just to provide books and desks — this project is about rebuilding hope for children who have suffered through war, poverty, and uncertainty. By giving them a safe and nurturing place to learn, this effort hopes to transform their futures.
What Will the Project Include?
This education support project covers a wide range of activities, all focused on making it easier for children to go to school and stay there.
Here are the key parts of the project:
1. Awareness Campaigns
First, the project will run public awareness campaigns to help people understand how important education is — especially in communities that have been affected by war. These campaigns will aim to encourage families to send their children to school, especially young girls, who often face more barriers to education in conflict zones.
Many girls in war-torn areas drop out of school because of fear, lack of resources, or cultural pressures. The awareness campaigns will address these issues and support families in helping their daughters return to school.
2. School Supplies and Basic Needs
KSrelief and its partners will distribute essential school supplies such as:
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School bags
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School uniforms
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Hygiene kits
These items are basic, but they are often out of reach for families living in conflict zones. Providing them removes barriers and allows children to attend school with dignity and comfort.
3. Psychological and Social Support
War does more than damage buildings — it affects minds and emotions, especially in children. Many students have experienced trauma, loss, or stress, making it difficult for them to focus on learning.
That’s why this project includes psychological and social support services. Special counselors and trained staff will be available to help children talk about their feelings, feel safe, and heal emotionally.
The project also includes child protection services and a referral system so that children who need extra care can be referred to specialized agencies or clinics.
4. Support for Teachers and Volunteers
Education isn’t just about students — teachers need support too. In many conflict zones, teachers do not have access to the tools and training they need to be effective.
This project will:
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Train volunteer educators in modern teaching methods
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Provide educational tools like whiteboards, notebooks, and visual aids
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Equip classrooms with important learning materials
By doing this, the program helps teachers feel more confident and prepared, which leads to better learning for students.
5. Hygiene and First Aid Supplies
To keep students healthy and safe, the project will supply:
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Hygiene kits (soap, sanitizer, etc.)
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First aid kits for emergencies
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Sports equipment for physical activity
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School furniture like desks and chairs
These items may seem simple, but they help create a safe and welcoming school environment.
6. Rehabilitating Classrooms
In areas hit by conflict, many classrooms are in very poor condition. Some don’t have windows, proper floors, or functioning toilets. This makes it hard for children to learn.
KSrelief will help repair and improve selected classrooms. This includes painting walls, fixing roofs, and adding basic infrastructure so that students can study in clean, bright, and safe learning spaces.
Why Is This Project Important?
This education support project is part of a larger humanitarian effort by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is working through KSrelief to help people affected by conflict, poverty, and disaster.
Education is a key focus of these efforts because it has a long-term impact. When children receive proper education, they are more likely to:
But in many conflict areas like Yemen, schools are often closed or destroyed, and families are too worried about survival to send their kids to school.
That’s why this project is so meaningful. It goes beyond short-term aid and works to build a better future for children who have already lost so much.
KSrelief’s Larger Mission
This initiative is just one of many led by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, which has been active in over 80 countries. KSrelief was created to deliver humanitarian aid from Saudi Arabia to people in need, regardless of their nationality, religion, or background.
In Yemen alone, KSrelief has carried out hundreds of programs in:
The center works closely with local and international partners, ensuring that aid is delivered effectively and respectfully.
A Step Toward Peace Through Education
Although the situation in Yemen remains difficult, efforts like this remind us that hope is still alive. By investing in children’s education, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is helping to lay the foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Each school bag handed out, each classroom repaired, and each child protected from harm is a small but powerful step toward a brighter tomorrow.
And in a world filled with conflict and uncertainty, those steps matter more than ever.
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