A village leader has confirmed that hundreds of students have been pushed out of their local school and distributed among other remote schools after landmines destroyed half of their school.
Sheikh Abdul-Rahman al-Neweehy, a leader of the Akkad village in Taiz Governorate’s Jabal Habashi district, told Project Masam:”We were shocked by an explosion that rocked the entire district, while returning from Eid al-Adha prayer in the morning.
“We were quickly on the scene to find out that half of Akkad’s Al Shaab School was leveled to the ground because of the landmines stored under its classrooms.”
“The blast destroyed half of the school; a matter which resulted in a suffering for all Akkad villagers and the displacement of 500 male and female students to other schools that are far from their village. Hence, the tragic event at the children’s school – a place of happiness – turned in a painful episode of their life.
Masam was called to investigate the incident and has been carrying out survey and clearance operations since, as landmines and other explosives are still believed to be under the rubble. The suspected area has been closed off.
Al-Neweehy explained students are still learning in the remaining classes of Grade 6 only. The school taught children up to Grade 9.
The Sheikh said that Masam’s Team 23 was essential in helping parents and school staff to “get rid of their fear” surrounding the lives of the students – as they continue to receive their lessons and play in an area nearby the now off-bounds explosion site .
Al-Neweehy concluded: “We hope that Masam will continue demining Al Shaab Akkad School and clear all landmines from under the rubble so that safety can be returned to the school.”
