Hundreds of schools in Yemen have been deliberately targeted by the Houthi militias, who planted thousands of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
One of the students of the Al Shaab School, located in Jabal Habashi District, Taiz province, eight-year-old Hady Abdo Fadel, was injured after a explosive device detonated.
“I was playing in my school playground and there I found a long device. When I picked it up, it suddenly exploded, and I lost my three fingers”.
Despite his amputated fingers and the knowledge his school may be bobby-trapped, Hady still gets up early, picks up his backpack and walks to school.
When Masam saw his in his classroom, Hady was able to hold a pen and write, despite his disability. On a sheet of paper, he happily drew a picture of his dreams: a world in bright colours.
“Our school was blown up and the students who were studying with me were forced to move to other, safer schools.
“Although schools were far away, the pupils continued their studies with strength and determination and others dropped out.
“I became afraid of my beloved school because of landmines that may explode at any time. I hope that deminers can clear schools of landmines to allow students to once again resume their studies, safely.”
