RIYADH: Japan at an event in Riyadh on Monday finalized an agreement to grant 642 million yen ($4.29 million) to improve children’s education in Yemen.

The two-year project will prioritize rehabilitating educational infrastructure and providing psychosocial support in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate.

The agreement was signed by Yoichi Nakashima, Japan’s ambassador to Yemen, and Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s representative in Yemen.

The ceremony was also attended by Taiz Governor Nabil Shamsan and Yemeni Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Noman.

In a speech Nakashima underscored the urgency of the initiative, stating that the ongoing war in Yemen has created a dire humanitarian situation, leaving nearly 3.2 million children unable to attend school.

He elaborated on Taiz’s critical needs in an interview with Arab News: “This program, through UNICEF, addresses the unique challenges caused by the war as Taiz has been at the forefront of conflict zones.”

Nakashima added that their project targets those outside the formal system while supporting facility rehabilitation and teacher training.

“This project includes the renovation of many educational facilities, support for at-risk, school-age children, and enhanced teacher training, with a focus on psychological care,” Nakashima added.

He emphasized that Taiz’s families are “deeply committed to learning despite years of instability,” noting the region’s historical significance as a cultural and academic hub.

Hawkins highlighted the long-term vision, telling Arab News the agreement would equip children with “fundamentals like numeracy and literacy” to pursue formal education or build livelihoods.

Yemen’s education system has faced severe disruption due to the war, with infrastructure damage and economic instability exacerbating dropout rates.

Hawkins said that life skills training would empower children to “find their avenue forward,” emphasizing sustainability beyond immediate interventions.