The issue of illiteracy in Yemen goes beyond mere prevalence and chronic spread, delving deep into the challenges of addressing and alleviating it. The ongoing war and conflict in the country have worsened the situation, resulting in setbacks in initiatives and programs aimed at combating illiteracy, particularly among children and the elderly.
However, the literacy, as highlighted by "Khuyut," has reached critical levels, particularly among a crucial demographic vital to society, the labor market, and the future trajectory of development in the country - the youth. This segment of the population is not only contending with traditional literacy challenges but also facing a significant spread of technological illiteracy and skill gaps, exacerbated by the increasing emphasis on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. This shift underscores the pressing need to address these evolving literacy issues to equip the youth with the requisite knowledge and competencies to navigate the advancing technological landscape and contribute effectively to the nation's progress.
On the 8th of September every year, the world commemorates International Literacy Day, with this year's theme in 2024 focusing on "Enhancing Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace." UN and International organizations affirm that the ability to read and write is a fundamental human right for all, enabling individuals to exercise their other human rights, enjoy greater freedoms, and actively participate in global citizenship.
Communities depend on literacy as a foundational tool for expanding knowledge, cultivating a range of skills and values, and embracing broader perspectives, behaviors, and attitudes essential for nurturing a culture of enduring peace marked by equality, non-discrimination, adherence to the rule of law, solidarity, justice, diversity, and tolerance. Moreover, literacy plays a pivotal role in fostering harmonious relationships with oneself, others, and the environment, facilitating mutual understanding, empathy, and interconnectedness within societies and across borders.
The deterioration of the main employer for the youth
The demographic breakdown in Yemen sheds light on the significant presence of youth and adolescents, comprising approximately 32% of the total population as projected. This demographic cohort not only represents a substantial portion of the population but also embodies a demographic segment with distinct economic, social, and service-related needs. Recognizing and addressing these multifaceted requirements is essential in harnessing the potential of the youth and positioning them as active agents of progress and development in the years to come.
Looking ahead, the importance magnifies with the inclusion of age groups under 10 years within this demographic. This elevates the percentage of the population under 25 years to around 51% of the total population, amplifying the scale of economic, social, and security challenges confronting Yemen in meeting the essential requirements of these population segments. This becomes even more critical amidst the backdrop of political and security instability and the ongoing state of conflict.
Despite significant advancements in various educational systems and the increasing enrollment and graduation rates from educational institutions in recent decades, statistics indicate that approximately 75% of young workers in Yemen are either illiterate or possess only a basic education certificate. Around 23% hold high school qualifications, while a mere 2% have attained university or higher qualifications.
Additionally, Yemen remains entrenched in persistent developmental and structural obstacles that have only intensified with time. The ongoing challenges, spanning from pervasive illiteracy to deepening poverty and soaring unemployment rates across the populace, have historically hampered the active engagement of youth and adolescents in the nation's development trajectory. Regrettably, these hurdles are anticipated to endure into the foreseeable future, posing significant barriers to the meaningful participation and advancement of the younger generation in shaping Yemen's developmental landscape.
The labor market expert, Ali Al-Dubai, speaks to "Khuyut" about this issue as a significant dilemma that hinders efforts to combat poverty and unemployment. He points out that illiteracy, in its modern sense, signifies reaching a point where one lacks any skills or profession to enter the job market or sustain oneself in an evolving labor market witnessing rapid technological advancements.
"Khuyut" sheds light on a glimpse of the reality and status of the labor market in Yemen, noting that most working individuals in households are engaged in simple professions in the private sector or in the agriculture sector, which accommodates the largest share of employment in Yemen. Additionally, there is the construction sector, considered one of the crucial sectors in job creation, predominantly for men rather than women.
Furthermore, Al-Dubai stresses that the war not only disrupted state operations and dismantled institutions but also led to a severe deterioration of the labor market crisis. With the state being the main source of employment in Yemen prior to the conflict, the loss of state-generated jobs has had a profound impact on the livelihoods of the people. The absence of these employment opportunities has exacerbated the challenges of poverty and unemployment, leaving many individuals struggling to secure stable and sustainable sources of income in the midst of conflict and instability.
Leakage and Disrupted Employment
The majority of young workers are employed by others, making up 50.3% of the total workforce, while around 27% work within their families, representing irregular employment, predominantly in the agricultural sector.
On the other hand, approximately 21% of workers are self-employed, with most operating in the informal sector. Only 2% of young workers are considered employers who actively contribute to creating job opportunities for their peers.
As per statistical reports, notably the 2014 Yemen Labor Force Survey conducted by the International Labour Organization and the Central Statistical Organization – as reviewed by "Khuyut" – the percentage of youth outside the formal education, training, and labor market system had reached 44.8% in the year preceding the outbreak of war and conflict in March 2015. Moreover, the youth unemployment rate was alarmingly high at around 33%, with young women facing a staggering 74% unemployment rate, while it stood at 26% for young men.
This challenging scenario primarily stems from the significant percentage of youth excluded from the educational, training, and labor market systems, compounded by the lackluster economic growth and development rates experienced in preceding periods.
The educational expert, Ahmed Al-Buraihi, stands in agreement with Al-Dubai regarding the repercussions of the war on the disintegration of state institutions. Engaging in discussions with "Khuyut," Al-Buraihi sheds light on another crucial aspect of the crisis, emphasizing the severe deterioration within the education sector. Moreover, Al-Buraihi identifies this as the most pressing issue gripping Yemen, underscoring the disturbing extent of educational leakage, not confined solely to primary and secondary levels but permeating even into higher education. This distressing reality compounds the challenges of illiteracy, posing a formidable obstacle that is increasingly challenging to overcome.
The Challenge of Illiteracy Proliferation
Delving into the breakdown of young individuals across diverse economic sectors, a predominant portion gravitates towards the services sector, constituting nearly 50% of the total employed youth. Following suit are those engaged in the agricultural sector, accounting for 35 to 36%, and subsequently, workers in the industrial domain make up 14%. Furthermore, a segment of youth is found in the construction and public administration sectors, each representing 8%. The unemployment rates among youth and women exceed the general rate of 32%, as they have borne the brunt of layoffs during the conflict and the interruption of salaries. Many young entrants struggle to secure fitting employment opportunities, leaving them in the ranks of the unemployed.
The notable prevalence of youth employment in the public services and agricultural sectors mirrors the deficiency in skills and training among the youth population, coupled with technological illiteracy. These sectors, being traditional in nature, do not necessitate specialized competencies or expertise.
Despite significant advancements in various education systems and the increasing enrollment and graduation rates over the past decades, statistics reveal that approximately 75% of employed youth are either illiterate or hold only a basic certificate. Around 23% possess high school qualifications, while a mere 2% have obtained higher education degrees. This disparity highlights a notable imbalance in the labor market, characterized by the inadequate skills and qualifications of the workforce. Consequently, a staggering 84% of employed youth are compelled to seek opportunities in the informal marginal sector, as indicated by a survey on the business climate in Yemen conducted by the Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency.
Education emerges as one of the foremost challenges facing the youth in Yemen, despite the sector's expansion in recent decades, evident in the increased student enrollment across all levels of primary, secondary, and tertiary education. However, this sector grapples with numerous obstacles and challenges, most notably the perpetuation of educational inequalities based on gender (male and female) and the type of education (public and private), along with the subpar quality standards in education.
A comprehensive study conducted by Dr. Mohammed Al-Rafiq highlights the paramount challenge faced by the Yemeni economy, which is the prevalent issue of illiteracy. This is compounded by low levels of savings and a high population growth rate of 3.02%, as indicated by the 2004 national census. The inability of the real GDP growth rate in 2003 and 2004 to mitigate poverty is evident due to the modest economic growth margin, with the average per capita GDP growth standing at a meager 0.8%, falling short of the targeted annual range of 1.2 to 1.7%. Additionally, the persistently high inflation rates have eroded any potential individual income growth.
In addition, Dr. Al-Rafiq underscores the notable disparity in educational distribution throughout Yemen, spanning across different levels of education, including the number of schools in diverse governorates and the deployment of educational staff. Pre-2015 official statistics expose a marked incongruity in school distribution across governorates, with Al-Mahra governorate registering the lowest number of educational establishments. Given that more than 4 million students are currently enrolled in these schools, it is imperative to address the urgent necessity for a more equitable and inclusive educational framework nationwide.
Challenges in Living and Education
"Khuyut" concludes from the foregoing that the absence of political and security stability due to the ongoing war and conflict in the country, coupled with the ineffectiveness of economic policies, has led to an increase in challenges faced by adolescents and youth. The circumstances have contributed to the inability to access quality education suitable for the labor market, the prevalence of illiteracy, including skills illiteracy. This has resulted in a lack of confidence, a loss of investment in human capital, as well as risks arising from conflict and war, such as the recruitment of adolescents and youth and their involvement in military confrontations.
Moreover, the deficiencies in economic and social policies over the past decades have entrenched inequities and injustices, disproportionately affecting adolescents, youth, especially girls, the impoverished, refugees, and those with special needs. This situation has worsened in recent years, leading to heightened levels of interconnected deprivation in critical areas like healthcare, social protection, and education. Consequently, the marginalized groups are hindered from realizing their full potential and actively participating in society, impeding their ability to become productive members. Urgent reforms and targeted interventions are imperative to address these systemic disparities, promote inclusivity, and create a more equitable and supportive environment for all individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
The economic researcher, Sadiq Ali, shares with "Khuyut" that in the aftermath of the upheaval triggered by war and conflict, livelihood emerges as the primary worry for the populace. This crisis has resulted in the depletion of reliable income sources, means of livelihood, and the abrupt halt of salaries for civilian workers. Consequently, the focus of individuals has shifted towards securing essential food and basic living essentials, relegating the importance of education to a secondary position. This shift in priorities contrasts with the customary emphasis on sustaining oneself and highlights the pressing need for immediate support to address the fundamental survival needs of the affected population.
Furthermore, in a related discussion, he addresses a crucial aspect in this context, highlighting the escalating costs of education that have ceased to be easily affordable or freely accessible for families striving to educate their children. Consequently, the majority of households have shifted towards the job market to seek opportunities, forsaking educational pursuits.
Thus, education stands out as one of the paramount challenges confronting the youth in Yemen, notwithstanding the sector's expansion in recent decades, evidenced by the surge in student enrollment across all educational levels. However, this sector grapples with inflated barriers and challenges, notably the perpetuation of educational disparities, be it gender-based (between males and females) or concerning the type of education (public versus private). Also, there is a noted deficiency in the quality of education compared to global and regional standards, resulting in lackluster educational outcomes.
In conclusion, the educational landscape in Yemen faces profound challenges, with a significant number of school-aged children, especially girls, being excluded from the formal education system. The staggering statistic of around two million out-of-school children highlights the urgent need for interventions to ensure access to quality education for all. Furthermore, the persistently high levels of illiteracy, particularly among women, underscore the critical importance of addressing educational inequalities and improving literacy rates in the country.
Efforts to enhance educational opportunities and promote gender equality in education are crucial for empowering individuals, building a skilled workforce, and fostering sustainable development in Yemen. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that tackles barriers to education access, improves the quality of learning outcomes, and prioritizes literacy programs, especially for marginalized populations. Only through concerted efforts and inclusive policies can Yemen overcome its educational challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for its youth and the nation as a whole.
