Yemen families forced to drop children from school amid economic crisis

Families across Yemen are increasingly compelled to decide whether to keep their children in school or allocate scarce resources to basic survival, as the nation’s economy deteriorates under the weight of protracted conflict, inflation and dwindling humanitarian aid. According to recent United Nations assessments, more than half of school‑age children are out of the classroom, with many households reporting that rising food prices and the loss of wages force them to prioritize immediate needs over tuition, uniforms and transport costs.

The economic strain is exacerbated by disrupted supply chains, devalued currency and limited cash assistance, leaving parents with few alternatives to support their children’s education. Aid agencies warn that prolonged school disengagement could deepen poverty cycles and undermine future stability, urging donors and policymakers to scale up cash‑based support and protect educational infrastructure. Without intensified assistance, Yemen’s children face an uncertain future where learning is sacrificed for survival.