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Yemeni Achievement in relation to education and unemployment

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A.S.H.

Yemen is a country with a relatively low need for achievement in relation to other Middle Eastern countries as well as other lower developed countries around the globe. Regardless of attempts made by the Yemeni government to improve the economy, making these improvements has been met with numerous obstacles.

Literacy is the primary hindrance towards achievement in Yemen. As of 2003, the literacy rates were as follows:

50.2% - Total Population
70.5% - Men
30.0% - Women [1]

The average literacy rate for other low-income countries around the world is 60%, putting Yemen at the bottom end of the spectrum.[2] As a result of the labor market not being filled with skilled workers, most retain jobs in agriculture and herding services.[3]

The low literacy rate is a result of poor education. There was virtually no higher education program in Yemen until the 1970’s when the government brought over teachers from Egypt and Sudan. These teachers would go on to make up the majority of the teaching force of Yemen.[4] Even today as enrollment rises at the University of Sana, the colleges faces problems of “overcrowded classrooms, insufficient staff resources, deteriorating physical plant and equipment, inadequate educational materials and equipment, and a low level of absorption of graduates into the labor force”.[5] Enrollment rates for Yemen are as follows:

75% - primary school
34% - secondary school [6]

Secondary school consists of either a 2-3 year vocational program or a regular 3 year program where most students opt to study the arts. This has resulted in a low concentration of skilled workers. [7]

Unemployment remains a consistent problem as well. In 2003 the unemployment rate was at 33%.[8] Many students retain unemployment post graduation as a result of refusing to work in the private sector. These young skilled workers wait until they can get jobs working for the government. This is because government jobs offer higher benefits than private sector jobs and are for life.[9]

Only 21% of women enroll in secondary school.[10] As a result women make up a very small portion of the workforce. This reflects Yemen’s overall attitude towards women who are viewed as inferior to men. However, this trend has been improving.[11]

Yemen simply lacks the resources to provide a substantial environment that facilitates achievement. Yemen’s culture also does not encourage achievement especially for women.

[edit] References

  1. ↑ CIA Factbook
  2. ↑ Yemen: Education
  3. ↑ CIA Factbook
  4. ↑ Yemen: Education
  5. ↑ Higher Education in the Republic of Yemen: The University of Sana
  6. ↑ Yemen: Education
  7. ↑ Yemen: Education
  8. ↑ CIA Factbook
  9. ↑ Middle East and North Africa fail schools test
  10. ↑ Yemen: Education
  11. ↑ Population Reference Bureau
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