Yemen Monitor | Sana’a | Reports:
The Houthi-run Ministry of Education in Sana’a has issued a directive banning the teaching of English in all public and private schools up to the fourth grade, including kindergartens.
The ministry justified the move by claiming that introducing English at early educational stages negatively affects students’ academic and cognitive development.
📢 تعميم بوقف تدريس مادة اللغة الإنجليزية في الصفوف الأول والثاني والثالث الأساسي في جميع المدارس الحكومية والأهلية، مع التأكيد على التركيز خلال هذه المرحلة على تعزيز تعليم اللغة العربية والقرآن الكريم. pic.twitter.com/3eThCIb6KS
— وزارة التربية والتعليم والبحث العلمي ـ اليمن (@moe_edu_yem) April 30, 2025
According to media reports, the decision is part of a broader series of curriculum changes introduced by the group, which has replaced some subjects with content reflecting its own ideological beliefs.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism from educators and parents alike, who argue that banning English instruction during the foundational years of education marks a serious setback in educational quality. Many view it as an attempt to turn schools into tools for sectarian indoctrination rather than institutions for developing students’ skills and knowledge.
In recent years, the Houthis have made extensive changes to the school curriculum in areas under their control, introducing concepts aligned with their ideology—raising concerns over the impact on Yemen’s national identity and social cohesion.
