Declining Interest in Houthi Summer Camps as Families Refuse to Send Children

This year, Houthi-run summer camps in Yemen have seen a significant decrease in participation, despite the militia's efforts to persuade families to enroll their children. Many parents are resolute in their decision not to send their children to these camps.

The Houthi militia has been running summer camps annually after the school year ends in areas under its control, shortening the school year to less than six months in some cases to make room for these camps. However, sources attribute the growing reluctance to enroll children to the increasing concerns that the militia may use these camps to recruit children for fighting, a practice that has been prevalent in recent years. Many children have been reported killed in battles or have returned home after long periods of disappearance.

Educational sources in Sana’a claim that the summer camps not only serve as a means to indoctrinate children but also act as a revenue source for Houthi operatives. Teachers in the camps are paid daily wages, with funding taken from the budgets meant for school materials, teacher salaries, and school maintenance.

The militia has also used the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza over the past year and a half to bolster its summer camp activities through what it calls “Loyalty to Al-Aqsa courses.” These programs have included military training for children and led to the recruitment of thousands of young recruits into the militia's ranks.

Sources indicate that the Houthi militia aims to replace regular schooling with these camps and is pressuring families to send their children, instead of attending regular schools, despite widespread opposition.