Literacy Classes for Women in Haraz

Published : June 5, 2020

As the crisis in Yemen enters its sixth year, the education sector and its infrastructure in the country have been severely impacted.

According to UNICEF, access to education in Yemen today is catastrophic. Schools, institutes and other education-related infrastructure have been destroyed. Resources and school materials are in short supply due to the crisis, and qualified teachers have either left the country or have not received their regular salary for 6 years.

In rural regions, where access to education was already difficult due to the distance between villages and schools and the lack of resources, the educational circumstances are even worse.

However, it is not just conflict that has kept women and girls out of school: many obstacles to education remain. Culturally, it is not considered necessary for women to educated, nor it seen as important for them to continue their education. 

The project thus aims to sustain the activity of the 25 classes dedicated to women and girls already set up by Y30 in 25 villages of the Haraz valley in Sana’a governorate.

Currently, 23 teachers are working on a voluntary basis due to the lack of financial resources. Classes are held three hours a day, five days a week.

Although we have been able to provide school materials for each class, we are seeking funding to pay salaries to all 25 teachers. 

Some figures:

  • 25 classrooms in 25 villages of the Haraz Valley.
  • 1268 participants.

In 2020, this project was supported by the Swiss commune of Plan-Les-Ouates and still today by private donations.

Literacy lessons are an effective tool for learning:

Literacy eradication videos are considered one of the modern methods of enhancing education and facilitating access to information, especially in societies that suffer from high illiteracy rates. These videos provide simple and engaging educational content, making it easier for learners to understand basic topics such as reading and writing.

This special celebration was more than just raising a cup; it was a journey of discovery, tracing the story that begins with a tiny bean nurtured in fertile mountain soil and ends with a cup that carries joy, inspiration, and community.

 

Under the theme “The Magical Journey… From Bean to Cup,” the event highlighted coffee as a global symbol of unity — a bridge connecting cultures, stories, and people across continents.

 

Each coffee bean represents dedication, craftsmanship, and passion — from the farmer’s care to the barista’s artistry.

 

One of the event’s most memorable moments was the engaging presence of barista and coffee expert Ammar Al-Ahlasi, who filled the room with enthusiasm and the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

 

He came not just to serve coffee, but to share knowledge and unveil the secrets behind this enchanting beverage.

 

Ammar emphasized that brewing coffee is both an art and a ritual — from choosing the right grind size to controlling the water temperature and mastering the pouring technique. Every detail matters.

 

Each drop of water that touches the ground extracts not just flavor, but also a story, a feeling, and a sense of connection — creating a cup that nourishes the soul as much as the senses.

 

In closing, the Y30closing, the Y30 Association, in collaboration with the Y30 Institute, affirmed that this event was more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt tribute to the timeless values that coffee embodies: dedication, creativity, and human connection.

 

Every cup tells a journey — from the earth to the heart — reminding us that coffee is not merely a beverage, but a way of life.