In an effort to assess their impact in Yemeni culture, authorities have counted about 1,000 religious doctrinal schools operating in 11 governorates across the country. An official at the ministry of religious guidance and endowment said last week the campaign counted 941 schools. Most of them are out of authorities' control. These schools are teaching the Holy Quran and other principles of the Islamic religion, but with curriculum that fits the interest of the people running these schools. Some of these schools are financed by some charitable societies, mainly Islah Social Welfare Society while others are funded by some businessmen or political parties. Some were even financed by al-Harameen charitable society in Saudi Arabia which the Saudi authorities closed down as it was proved that the society was involved in fund-raising for terrorist activities. The investigations found out that just in Hodiedah schools around 810 people are working as teachers. The committee in charge of this task which was set up by the presidency expected to finish the task by the end of this year. This might disclose many more schools working with their own syllabuses without the knowledge of the authorities.
The most important consequence of the Sa'ada insurgency of Hussien al-Huthi is that it has raised concern over the religious doctrinal schools threatening the future of this country plagued with poverty and tribalism. The cabinet decided in its meeting June 29th to shut down such schools operating without license. It said in its statement "due to the connection between extremism, militancy and certain curricula that promote deviant and alien ideologies
the cabinet has issued orders for the immediate closure of all schools so as to realize moderation in Islam, preserve national unity, and to increase security and stability." Some of these schools are being supported by the government like al-Hawthi. The government plan was to stop funding of these schools which bring their closure and for the others which are being financed by some people in Yemen and from abroad, the government will close down. |