Education for Refugees

Refugee and asylum-seeking children’s right to education in Yemen

Refugee and asylum-seeking children in Yemen are entitled to free primary and secondary education. To enroll in public schools, they need valid refugee or asylum certificates. For more details on enrollment, refer to the provided contact information.

Who can I contact for education support?

LocationContact
Sana’aSDF, Hotline: 739 255 512 / 800 1155
Aden FMF Drop-in Center
Kharaz CampHuman Access (HA), Lahj Governorate

All mental health services provided by UNHCR’s partners are free of charge.

How can I enrol my children in school?

To enroll your children:

  • Approach a school near your residence.
  • Provide the following documents:
    • Valid refugee/asylum certificates for parents and children.
    • Children’s birth certificates (if available).
    • Previous education documents (not required for first-grade enrolment).
  • Sana’a residents: Obtain the “Acceptance for Admission Form” from the Control Office at the Ministry of Education.

For assistance, contact UNHCR’s education or protection partners in your area:

  • Sana’a: Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF), Hotline: 739 255 512 / 800 1155
  • Aden: Field Medical Foundation (FMF), Basateen Drop-in Center
  • Kharaz Camp: Human Access (HA), Lahj Governorate

What if my children are out of school and I cannot afford to send them?

UNHCR and its partners can assist with school enrollment and provide:

  • Free school kits, including uniforms, stationery, shoes, and bags.
  • Social counselors for guidance and referrals to other support services.

Contact the education partner in your area for support.

What options are available for over-age children who haven’t attended school?

Over-age learners (10+ years old) can join:

  • Sana’a: Literacy track (3 years of literacy education = completion of grade 7).
  • Aden and Al Mukalla: Accelerated Education Program (AEP) for children aged 9-13, enabling them to rejoin the public education system at the appropriate grade.

Contact your local education partner for details on these programs.

Can children with disabilities be enrolled in school?

Yes, UNHCR supports inclusive education. In some public schools, there are:

  • Disability-friendly infrastructure.
  • Resource rooms for children with learning difficulties.

For assistance, contact:

  • Sana’a: SDF
  • Aden: FMF

What if my refugee/asylum certificates are expired?

Valid certificates are required for school enrollment. Renew your certificates at:

  • Sana’a: Bureau of Refugee Affairs (BRA)
  • Aden, Kharaz Camp, Al Mukalla: Immigration, Passports, and Naturalization Authority (IPNA).

Does UNHCR support tertiary education?

Yes, UNHCR implements the DAFI Scholarship Program (funded by Germany) for refugees. This includes scholarships for tertiary education and technical courses.

  • Scholarships are limited and based on merit through a competitive selection process.
  • Contact the DAFI focal points in your area for details.

Are there vocational training or non-formal education programs?

Yes, UNHCR provides:

  • In Sana’a: Courses in English, Arabic, computer literacy, and vocational training through Nama Foundation.
  • In Aden: Technical education under the DAFI program through Al-Awn.
  • In Kharaz Camp: Non-formal education courses through Alghaith Refugee Committee.

Contact your local education partner for registration details.

What education assistance does UNHCR provide?

UNHCR, through its partners, supports:

  • Enrolment of children in schools.
  • Awareness-raising and back-to-school campaigns.
  • School uniforms and kits (based on funding availability).
  • Rehabilitation of schools.
  • Teacher training.
  • Management of schools in Kharaz Camp.
  • Non-formal education and literacy programs.

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