From storytelling to action: In conflict-affected Yemen, a new engagement resource to enhance the protection of schools from attacks

Over the past decade, the conflict in Yemen has become increasingly complex — with children facing grave risks. Attacks against schools, the use of schools for military purposes, and child recruitment have made access to safe education increasingly fragile.

Geneva Call’s work in Yemen

In this difficult context, Geneva Call has worked to strengthen civilian protection and promote respect for international humanitarian law among a wide array of armed groups active in the country. Despite ongoing difficulties, progress has been made in securing commitments on child protection, protecting schools and ending child recruitment, contributing to long-term efforts to reduce violations and build safer communities.

Launching a new engagement tool

As part of this ongoing work, Geneva Call has developed an innovative engagement resource: a comic book created in partnership with Art to Face and Crater Voice. The comic book aims to raise awareness about attacks against education, the recruitment and use of children by armed groups in Yemen, and to promote community-based initiatives to deter the use of schools for military purposes, to enhance the prevention of child recruitment, and protect children and education.

A narrative rooted in reality 

Set in Djabarout, a fictional city inspired by real-life experiences, the comic book tells the story of two young cousins, Samira and Khaled. Through their eyes, readers witness the pressures families, children, teachers, and communities face under the threat of armed groups — and how they seek collective solutions to protect children and preserve their right to education, and to grow, learn, and dream, in safety.

While fictional, the storyline is grounded in field testimonies and observations, offering an authentic portrayal of everyday struggles and collective resilience.

A collaborative creative process 

This project was made possible thanks to a collaboration between Geneva Call and Art to Face’s creative team — including Albane Buriel, writer Joël Alessandra, and Yemeni illustrator Safa Anis Tayea.

Over several months, the team followed a structured creative process — from scriptwriting based on thematic priorities and field interviews, to storyboarding reviewed by Geneva Call. After rounds of feedback to ensure clarity and cultural relevance, the comic was illustrated, colored, and edited in Arabic and English. Throughout the process, the team adhered strictly to the principle of « do no harm, » with special attention to sensitivity, ethics and pedagogical impact.

A tool for dialogue and protection 

“Beyond its artistic value, the comic book serves as a practical innovative tool for community engagement and advocacy,” said Marie Lefevre Saadoun, Children and Education in Emergencies Advisor. “It will be used in awareness-raising sessions with local partners and civil society organizations to enhance the protection of schools, the prevention of child recruitment and help implement alternative measures for protecting children and education, grounded in collective action.”

Available now 

The comic book is available online in both Arabic and English on September 9, 2025, on the occasion of the Sixth International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Geneva Call will be sharing it across its platforms. We invite partners to support Geneva Call in its action to deter attacks against education perpetrated by armed groups.

Protecting children and education in Yemen: Download the comic book in English / Download the comic book in Yemeni Arabic.