Al-Maafer District, Taiz, Yemen - June 18, 2024

Storyline:
June 20 marks World Refugee Day, shedding light on Yemen's children who have endured nearly a decade-long conflict that has uprooted millions, depriving them of homes and educational opportunities.

In the southwestern province of Taiz, 11-year-old Muhammad Abdo fled to the south with his family four years ago from escalating conflict in the west, where they have faced hunger and hardship, prioritizing survival over schooling.

For four years, Abdo had to forsake schooling to work on nearby farms. But hope for education flickered back to life in Abdo's displacement camp, with a makeshift school funded by donations.

According to UNICEF, Yemen has 12 million school-age children, with 4.5 million being out of school, posing a monumental challenge for the country's educational system. Rebuilding schools, rehiring teachers, and ensuring they receive salaries remain critical amid ongoing conflict.

Due to displacement, Abdo missed four years of schooling and is now in fourth grade, significantly older than his classmates.

Education remains pivotal in reshaping Yemen's future, crucial for the well-being of displaced children and refugees. Addressing political disputes and achieving a ceasefire are essential for improving conditions and upholding their educational rights, fostering stability for Yemen's recovery.

Shotlist:
Al-Maafer District, Taiz, Yemen - June 18, 2024:
1. Aerial shots of displacement camp;
2. Child walking into shelter;
3. Various of displaced child Muhammad Abdo carrying containers to fetch water, turning on tap without water;
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Muhammad Abdo, displaced child:
"My father suffers from mental illness. I had to work to support my younger brothers. My older brother passed away, leaving behind his children. With this situation, I don't have time to go to school.";
5. Various of children outside makeshift school at camp;
6. Abdo standing out among younger classmates;
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Muhammad Abdo, displaced child:
"I miss school and the feeling of reading. I had forgotten what that felt like. Now teachers are teaching us again, and I have rediscovered the joy of reading and writing.";
8. Girl;
9. Various of Abdo studying outside classroom;
10. Various of children entering classroom;
11. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Tawfiq Hassan, teacher, makeshift school for displaced children:
"We are very happy to see them back in school. However, we need more aid. We need to be provided with campuses, books, uniforms, and food to ensure they can continue their educational journey.";
12. Various of children in class, Hassan giving lesson;
13. Abdo writing on board;
14. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Muhammad Abdo, displaced child (starting with shot 13):
"My dream is to become a teacher and teach students in school.";
15. Various of students in class;
16. Abdo among other students;
17. Abdo returning home after class.

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