Education in Yemen sends SOS [Archives:2002/14/Business & Economy]

FAROUK AL-KAMALI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
TAIZ
Yemeni academics are calling for more and better training to deal with illiteracy and other educational challenges in Yemen.
A symposium organized by the al-Thakafia Newspaper last week warned that education in Yemen is in a deplorable condition and in dire need to be built up.
Education officials also stressed that there should be an conference attended by educators and pedagogical experts to map out a comprehensive education strategy in Yemen.
In his working paper on the need of a free education in Yemen, the Dean of Faculty of Law, Qaed Tarboosh stressed the Yemeni constitution has given the right of free education for all Yemenis.
Dr. Thaifani noted that there is a large increase in students studying in all educational sectors.
There are around 3.5 million students now studying in 11,711 schools, including basic and secondary schools The number of university students has reached 147,181.
Studies show that the increase in students is weakening the system. The number of university graduates increase every year but education is still falling behind targets.
Unemployed and frustrated
That is why there is a high number of unemployed university graduates in Yemen.
Abdulgabbar al-Waeli stressed that that 98 percent school drop-outs have no choice and the 85 percent of university students in different colleges such as Education, Arts and Commerce, are no longer needed in the labor market.
Frustration and depressing prevail among our graduates from such specialization with regard to the unknown future, he said.
Change seems to be difficult in Yemen due to renunciation pressures, and the indifference favoritism, corruption and bribery of some officials.
Dr. Sultan al-Mekhlafi stressed the need for wholesale changes because human resources are the most vital part of any society.

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