School of Democracy

The same president may have ruled Yemen for over thirty years, but in its poorest schools a new democratic movement has emerged that is giving students a new freedom in the Arab dictatorship.

In a run-down school in Sanaa's centre students are getting to grips with what democracy means: "democracy is the freedom to elect whoever you want". They are soon to be contesting free and fair elections, to decide who they will put forward to represent them in a nationwide lobby group. Despite growing up in a country unfamiliar with the democratic system, they have taken to it like old pros. "Protect the children from abuse and all forms of neglect", Mohammed says as he lists his campaign promises. Some of the children are taking a longer view: "this is a positive thing that will encourage us to look to our future". On the last ballot it is Bashir who wins. He will now represent his school in the Children's Parliament."Hopefully [we can] be the best generation in Yemen!" he cries.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• democracy
• yemen
• school
• sanaa
• news
• documentary
• current affairs
• journeyman
• journeyman pictures

[MIRIHELGESEN]

it's incredible how many rotten presidents are still in their chairs, I hope the people of yemen and other arab countries revolt against their dictators

[macboyau]

27:17 - Let's celebrate with a flaming spray can!

What can go wrong?!

[notfaux]

10:08 guy scratching his balls

[AbuAyrab]

@saadahmadawan educate yourself about Islam and be quiet. brilliant documentary. 

[123VivaDjazair]

It's amazing how smart are kids in poor countries like Yemen..... They already master their own language and they manage to add second European language!

I wish them good luck

[MaxSafeheaD]

@QuantumQuacks

Of corse it's tyranny of the majority. That's why there is often a constitution, and international law like the UN convention on human rights, to frame the limits of that democracy.

[MaxSafeheaD]

@saadahmadawan

don't you have mullahs?

[MaxSafeheaD]

@MIRIHELGESEN

And the ones closer to home.

[YourMissAnonymous]

Congraz for the children in Yemen! I hope everything goes well for them, and may their futures be bright.

[rohan2rule]

what a wonderful initiative, best wishes for Yaman.

thanks alot again JMP for such a lovely video..!!