Bena Charity for Human Development (BCFHD) welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Education during a field visit to several compensatory education sites in Al-Ma’afer District, Taiz Governorate, as part of the project “Small Hands, Big Dreams: Empowering Out of School Children (OOSC) and Children at Risk of Dropping Out (CRDO) through Formal and Non-Formal Education, Child Protection and Psychosocial Support (PSS) Services in Five Districts of Taiz Governorate, Yemen.” The project is implemented in partnership with War Child and funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid.

The delegation included Dr. Aref Al-Qutaibi, Director General of the General Department of Compensatory Education at the Ministry of Education; Dr. Mohammed Basaleem, Director of the Technical Office at the Ministry; and Dr. Fadl Abdullah, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Curriculum Sector. They were received by Mr. Fouad Abduldaim, Vice Chairman of Bena Charity for Human Development; Dr. Waleed Noaman, Project Manager; Mr. Moath Al-Muqrami, Education and Protection Officer at War Child; and Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Abdo Hassan, Head of the Compensatory Education Department in Al-Ma’afer District.

The visit covered compensatory education classes at Al-Dhakharah IDP Camp, Al-Faqeed Al-Noaman School, and Al-Ahd Al-Jadeed School in Al-Mashjab, where the delegation reviewed the progress of teaching and learning activities, observed the implementation of the compensatory education programme, and met with students, teachers, and facilitators. The delegation also listened to participants’ feedback on the programme and its positive impact on improving learning outcomes and supporting children’s return to education.

The delegation further met with educational staff and the project team to discuss the progress achieved, the key challenges facing programme implementation, and opportunities to further strengthen the quality of educational services and enhance the learning environment.

In addition, the delegation reviewed the educational support package provided through the project, including school bags, learning materials, teaching aids, classroom equipment, and other educational resources designed to create a safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environment.

Members of the delegation commended the efforts of Bena Charity and War Child in supporting the education sector and expanding learning opportunities for out-of-school children and those at risk of dropping out. They praised the project’s contribution to reintegrating children into education and enabling them to continue their learning in a safe and supportive environment.

The delegation also emphasized the importance of sustaining such high-impact educational initiatives, recognizing their significant contribution to the Ministry of Education’s efforts to reduce school dropout, expand access to education, and strengthen collaboration between implementing partners and local education authorities.