Yemeni President Al-Mashat Vows to Provide Teachers’ Salaries and Reclaim Them from the Enemy
His Excellency Marshal Mahdi Al-Mashat, President of the Supreme Political Council, ceremonially inaugurated the new academic year of 1445 AH today.
The event took place at the 26 September Boys School and Al-Forat Girls School in the capital city, Sana’a, attended by the leaders of the House of Representatives, Yahya Ali Al-Ra’i, minister Dr. Abdulaziz bin Habtoor and Shura member Mohammed Hussein Al-Aidrus, and Judge Ahmed Al-Mutawakel. The President delivered a speech during this occasion, extending his congratulations to all students across the Republic’s schools on the commencement of the new academic term.
He remarked, “On this early morning, brimming with the light of knowledge, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students of the 26 September Boys School and the Al-Forat Girls School, as well as to all schools across the Yemeni Republic, on the start of a new academic year filled with scientific exploration and learning. We, in the state institutions, pledge our unwavering support and attention.”
Further, he expressed his hope and confidence in the youth, stating, “From the steadfast capital of Sana’a, I congratulate all our students across the Republic. I am deeply hopeful and confident that you are the future of Yemen and will build a vibrant nation.”
President Al-Mashat acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Yemeni people for the preservation of the nation’s present and future generations. He emphasized that today’s youths are the cornerstone for building the future of Yemen, a future for which many Yemenis have shed their blood.
He affirmed that the resilience demonstrated by Yemen’s youth during recent adversities will make a significant impact on future generations. “The steadfastness exhibited in past years will shape the future generations. Rest assured, you will receive attention and care from all state institutions,” he assured.
His Excellency the President stressed that the inauguration of a new academic year at dawn signifies the state’s high regard for education. He confirmed that future generations will receive care from all state institutions and from the community at large.
He saluted the dedicated school staff and resilient teachers who have endured severe adversities that have significantly affected the living conditions of the Yemeni people, including educators who deserve respect and appreciation from all.
Furthermore, he reassured the teachers, saying, “I promise that your efforts will be greatly rewarded by all of us.” He referenced the announcement made by the Prime Minister and Minister of Education last week, stating that teacher incentives will soon be implemented and that half of the school books will be printed.
President Al-Mashat reiterated his commitment to providing incentives and salaries in the future, despite the challenges imposed by the aggressive alliance that hinders their delivery and payment through its obstruction of exporting Yemeni oil and gas wealth.
His Excellency addressed the stalled negotiations with Saudi Arabia, stating, “I want all school staff and state employees to know that I personally oversee negotiations with the enemy, which have been halted at the point of delivering salary from our oil and gas wealth.”
He criticized Saudi Arabia’s proposal to pay salaries from its resources instead of Yemen’s oil and gas wealth. He interpreted this as an attempt to exploit Yemen’s resources and transfer them to the Saudi National Bank, before redistributing them to Yemeni employees. He highlighted this as the main reason for the stalled negotiations.
“It’s peculiar that the United States has been insistent on Saudi Arabia refraining from paying salary bills in the past. We have cautioned the United States to avoid antagonizing every Yemeni household. If Yemenis learn that America is obstructing the delivery of salaries, it will antagonize over 1.3 million employees supporting families of approximately five members each. This means America and Britain are antagonizing 10-15 million Yemenis by blocking salary deliveries,” he added.
President Al-Mashat concluded, “I am full of hope and confidence that our teachers, who have shown remarkable patience and resilience, are playing a pivotal role in shaping future generations.” He urged all Yemenis to respect and value teachers for their discipline, perseverance, and high performance.
He addressed the male and female teachers directly, saying, “We understand and appreciate the difficulties, obstacles, and suffering you and your families are experiencing due to aggressive measures imposed on all of us. You stand at the forefront of our people, and we assure you that we will strive to meet your expectations.”