Bena Charity for Human Development (BCFHD) held a coordination meeting this morning to review the stages of project implementation and strengthen mechanisms for the inclusion of persons with disabilities within project activities. The meeting was conducted within the framework of the project “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”, implemented in partnership with War Child and supported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

The meeting coincided with the International Day of Education, underscoring the importance of inclusive and equitable education as a fundamental right for all, and as a key pillar to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly children with disabilities and those affected by conflict.

The meeting was attended by a number of educational leaders, representatives of official institutions, and key stakeholders, including:
Dr. Aref Qasim, Director General of Compensatory Education, Ministry of Education;
Dr. Mahmoud Ghalib, Deputy Director General of the Office of Social Affairs and Labor;
Dr. Farouq Ali, Assistant Secretary-General of Taiz University;
Ms. Naela Al-Aghbari, Director of the Compensatory Education Department at the Education Office;
Mr. Yousuf Ghalib, Head of the Guidance Division and Project Coordinator;
Mr. Ali Qaid, Director General of the Executive Unit;
Mr. Saleh Abdo, Secretary-General of the National Union of Persons with Disabilities;
Mr. Sabri Tareesh, Director of the Disability Fund;
Mr. Shakeeb Qaid, Education Coordinator at the National Union of Persons with Disabilities;
Ms. Sabah Rajeh, Director General of Literacy at the Education Office.

From Bena Charity, the meeting was attended by Dr. Abdulkarim Shamsan, Chairman of BCFHD; Mr. Tariq Al-Hammadi, Executive Director; Dr. Riyadh Salam, Programs Manager; in addition to the project team.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the level of progress in project implementation and discussed mechanisms to strengthen institutional coordination, with a particular focus on integrating persons with disabilities into non-formal and compensatory education pathways, and on developing inclusive learning environments that address special needs, in line with national and international standards for Education in Emergencies.

Participants affirmed that holding this meeting in conjunction with the International Day of Education reflects Bena Charity’s and its partners’ strong commitment to supporting education as a tool for protection, recovery, and building a more inclusive and equitable future for children in Taiz Governorate.