Master’s Degree Awarded to Researcher Eqbal Mahyoub Alomari

Researcher Eqbal Mahyoub Alomari has been awarded her Master’s degree with distinction in International Development Studies from the Inclusive Development Research Center at Sana’a University. Her thesis, titled “The role of international organization in addressing dropout among children from basic education in Yemen,” was successfully defended on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

The examination committee consisted of esteemed members: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamoud Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani served as the external examiner and chair; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahab Yahya Abdul Qadir acted as the supervisor and member; and Dr. Intilaq Abdul-Malik Al-Mutawakel served as the internal examiner and member.

The research aimed to study the role of international organizations in addressing the issue of school dropout among children in Yemen, specifically in the governorates of Al-Hudaydah and Hajjah.

The findings revealed several key insights: the interventions and support provided by UNICEF to children and schools were diverse. Participants highlighted essential educational supplies, such as school bags containing basic learning materials, as crucial for welcoming and enrolling children in school. This assistance is particularly vital for parents facing challenges due to economic hardships, poverty, and insecurity stemming from the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Additionally, social factors such as early marriage, the prioritization of boys’ education over girls’, cultural traditions, and a lack of awareness about the importance of female education significantly contributed to the dropout rates. Other contributing issues included women’s domestic responsibilities, the scarcity of female teachers, inadequate qualified staff, and a shortage of textbooks. Environmental factors, such as unpaved roads and distant schools, also led to children being absent from school.

The study Identified several recommendations, including the need to enhance the educational sector. In this context, it urged the Ministry of Education, alongside international development partners, to allocate efforts and resources to strengthen the educational system in Yemen. Suggested resources included continuous supply of textbooks, desks, educational materials, and science kits for all schools, as well as ensuring access to facilities like laboratories and libraries. Economic support and incentives for families were also recommended. Furthermore, the study emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns, advocating for international organizations to provide necessary support for awareness programs to ensure that students and parents receive the required assistance to maintain school activities.

The thesis defense was attended by a diverse audience, including academics, researchers, students, and other interested individuals, along with colleagues and family members of the researcher.