Houthi Militia Imposes Sectarian Activities on Educational Calendar Amidst Collapsed Education System

The Houthi militia's Ministry of Education in areas under its control has announced a new academic calendar for 1448 AH, which includes a lengthy list of religiously-oriented activities and events, sparking widespread concern amidst a collapsing education system.

According to a document issued by the ministry, which is managed by the Houthi militia, both public and private schools are mandated to implement these activities within the academic year's timeline. Observers view this as a significant shift in the intended role of educational institutions.

The calendar's content indicates that a substantial portion of the listed activities are not directly related to the educational process. Instead, they focus on ideological and sectarian events and occasions that are being forcibly imposed on schools and students throughout the academic year.

Educators argue that the proliferation of these activities places additional burdens on the educational environment and disrupts regular class schedules. This comes at a time when the system is already struggling with limited resources, deteriorating infrastructure, and increasing challenges faced by teachers and students.

The education sector is currently experiencing accumulated crises, most notably the non-payment of salaries, a lack of resources, the ideological manipulation of curricula, and a significant decline in the quality of education. The addition of these sectarian activities is seen as catastrophic for the future of students and the priorities of the educational process.

Ultimately, the new Houthi calendar reflects escalating debate regarding the direction of education in areas controlled by the militia, pitting essential educational requirements against the expansion of non-ideological activities within schools.