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Through its Haith Al-Insan program in its seventh season, Tawakkol Karman Foundation has turned the long-standing dream of children in Wadi Naqb, Hadramout, into reality by providing them with a school and classrooms after 15 years of waiting.
Wadi Naqb, located 30 kilometers from Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout governorate, is home to dozens of families leading a nomadic lifestyle centered around livestock herding. For over a decade, the children of this community had only heard about schools but had never set foot in one.
"I hear people talk about school, but I don't know what it is. I want to learn, but there is no school. My brother Abdullah studies, but I don’t. I want to complete my education," said young Zeina Al-Mohammedi, expressing her longing for an opportunity to learn.
Ahmed Al-Mohammedi, one of the elders of Wadi Naqb, described the hardship children face in the area. "This place has been neglected; there is nothing here. If there were a school, the children would have the chance to learn. Knowledge is important, but our children have no school," he said.
Despite repeated appeals to authorities for a school, residents were met only with limited resources and unfulfilled promises.
Ali Al-Mohammedi, a teacher in Wadi Naqb, shared his frustration, saying, "We tried and demanded a school to be built, but we were met with empty promises and no tangible action. There was no result on the ground."
He pointed out that some children in Wadi Naqb had reached the age of 15 without learning how to read, write, or even understand basic aspects of their faith. Determined to fight illiteracy, he took the initiative to gather children and, with the support of the community, set up a makeshift classroom in a tent using a large wooden board. He also collected discarded schoolbooks from distant areas to provide basic education.
Haith Al-Insan program, funded by Tawakkol Karman Foundation, became a turning point for the children of Wadi Naqb. The program coordinator, alongside local residents, approached the education authorities to secure official recognition for the school. Construction soon began, transforming the children's dream into reality. The school was built and fully equipped with educational materials and furniture.
Expressing his overwhelming joy, teacher Ali Al-Mohammedi said, "The dream we have long fought for has finally come true. The girls, who were once deprived of education, can now attend school and learn. This is a moment of great happiness for all of us in the community."
He added, "We are proud of these initiatives that have changed our reality. The students are happy, too. This long-awaited dream has finally been realized, thanks to Tawakkol Karman Foundation. We are grateful for this opportunity that will transform their lives forever."
