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Yemen
Facts about Yemen
Support Save the ChildrenCharitable contributions from people like you make it possible for us to support programs in Yemen, and so much more. Please support our mission and work around the world with a gift to our Global Action Fund. You can count on us to be good stewards of your generous donation, helping vulnerable children where the need is greatest with whatever they need the most. You can help make a difference by supporting all the work that Save the Children does to help children in need in the U.S. and around the world.
Save the Children has been working in Yemen since 1963. The first international aid group in Yemen, we work nationally and locally to promote and protect children’s rights, with programs in education, protection and survival. Yemen is among the most challenging places in the world to raise a family. Mothers and children have alarmingly poor health and education, even when compared with other impoverished nations. A fragile peace exists in Yemen, where thousands of children have been affected by long-term conflict. Many children and their families are displaced, having no homes or services to return to after years of struggle.
Challenges for ChildrenBoys and girls are growing up in the poorest country in the Arab world with little opportunity for education and development. In the war-torn north, children suffer from malaria, diarrhea and other illnesses. Others have been separated from their parents, emotionally scarred by the conflict and troubled by upheaval in their lives. Complicating matters are refugees from nearby Somalia, fleeing from abject poverty and anarchy. Nearly half of Yemeni children are at risk of malnutrition and are underweight for their age. Sadly, rampant food insecurity means many children do not know when their next meal will be. Things are particularly hard for girls in Yemen, who are worse off for almost all indicators. Yemeni girls traditionally marry young exposing them to different forms of gender-based violence. Watch Malak’s animated film, a powerful video about her fight against child marriage. Emergency Relief and RecoveryConflict in northern Yemen has subsided, but threats of unrest looms in light of the political crisis in the Middle East. Historically, hundreds of children have been killed or maimed by artillery, drones and other explosives in Yemen. Read our exclusive report about Yemen and around the world: Devastating Impact: Explosive weapons and children To help families affected by the violence, Save the Children’s response includes protection, education and health programs, strengthening existing structures and services in the communities. In 2010, a new program to improve families’ food security was launched that empowers people to help earn a living and feed their families. Other programs have benefitted over 16,000 children who have taken part in activities at our Child Friendly Spaces and in schools. Health services are provided for 70,000 children and women who would otherwise go without even the most basic medical care. Save the Children has responded to the influx of Somali refugees since the start of the conflict in the early 1990’s. Refugee children are provided basic health, protection and education services both at the one camp and among the host population in several communities throughout the country. Impact and ProgramsIn 2010, Save the Children reached over 850,000 people through child protection, education, health and other essential programs. Save the Children also launched a new initiative to improve child survival through lifesaving health and nutrition support. For girls in Yemen, a major obstacle to good health is shame about their bodies and lack of access to information. In Yemen, a key factor contributing to poverty is the lack of education. Despite recent gains in enrollment, school statistics in Yemen remain among the lowest in the Arab world. That’s why Save the Children is targeting an increase in education programs to more than 45,000 boys and girls. To support over 40 class and resource rooms, clean water and sanitation facilities were built or repaired. Save the Children has also conducted successful youth leadership and development programs that helped vulnerable youth in Yemen make informed, practical and positive life choices that contribute to the stability of communities. Read about Ahmed, who was rescued from life as a gang member thanks to a youth development program. Last Updated on October 2011
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