On the outskirts of Al Jufainah camp, Yemen’s largest displacement site, more than 15,000 families endure a harsh life far from home. Yet, 12-year-old Mohammed greets each day with unwavering enthusiasm.
With a dusty schoolbag slung over his shoulders, he dreams of becoming a surgeon. Despite the dangerous journey across a busy highway to reach Al-Jeel Al-Jadeed School, his dedication to learning and his drive to overcome his family’s challenges keep him going.
Mohammed’s life hasn’t always been like this. A few years ago, he lived with his family in a modest neighborhood in Sana’a.
His father, Ahmed, worked as a bus driver while also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. “We lived simply, but our home was filled with warmth,” Ahmed recalls. “Despite the challenges, we had stability.”
But everything changed in 2015. As the conflict in Sana’a escalated, the city became too dangerous to stay. “Schools, universities, and even daily work came to a halt. We had no choice but to leave and find safety,” Ahmed says.
The family’s journey of displacement has been filled with hardship. At first, they rented a house in Al-Jada’an for over a year. During this time, Ahmed and his wife balanced their university studies with the exhausting 30-kilometer daily commute to ensure Mohammed could attend school. But the pressure eventually forced them to move again, first for four years, and then once more as the conflict escalated.
With rental costs soaring elsewhere, the family chose to settle in Al Jufainah camp. When they arrived, they faced significant challenges, from harsh weather to limited schooling options. Over time, however, schools were established within the camp, giving children the opportunity to continue their education.
Although there have been improvements, overcrowding and extreme heat in the camp classrooms continue to pose significant challenges.
Despite the long journey from his home to the classroom, Mohammed was determined to continue attending Al-Jeel Al-Jadeed School. “We tried to convince him to go to one of the camp schools, but the conditions were tough,” Ahmed explains. “Every day, he walks to school, crossing the busy asphalt road, determined to study there.”