Bassmati School welcomes collaboration with educators and media interested in innovative education in complex contexts.
Based in Sana’a, Yemen, we offer a unique perspective on student-centred learning, community engagement, and education in times of disruption. We are open to partnerships and media engagement that support learning, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful impact - locally and globally.
Bassmati School is an innovative, community-rooted school in Sana’a, Yemen, founded in 2021 to reimagine what education can look like in a context shaped by ongoing challenges.
The school combines strong academic foundations with a student-centred approach, where learning is active, collaborative, and connected to real life. Students are encouraged to think critically, engage with real-world challenges, and develop a strong sense of responsibility toward their communities and the wider world.
At a glance
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Founded in 2021 in Sana’a, Yemen
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Independent, privately owned school
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English-language education using the Oxford Discover curriculum
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Nursery to Grade 9 (co-educational)
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Growth from 19 to 261 students in four years
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Strong academic performance, including in national assessments
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High Ministry of Education evaluations
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Student-centred, project-based learning approach
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Continuous teacher training and professional development
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Deep connection to community and real-world learning
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Named among the Top 50 Global Schools 2026 (Varkey Foundation)
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Examples of how Bassmati is different
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Students care for animals at the school farm (goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits)
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Students grow vegetables and engage in sustainability practices, including rainwater harvesting
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Students design, build, and upcycle in the recycling workshop
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School-wide thematic learning (e.g. design, exploration, science, community) across grade levels
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Student-led media team producing a monthly printed newspaper
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Community service is embedded in the curriculum, with students developing their own initiatives
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Impact
Bassmati demonstrates that high-quality, student-centred education is possible even in complex and challenging environments.The school combines strong academic outcomes with high levels of student engagement, wellbeing, and community trust. Its approach is increasingly recognised as a model that can inspire broader change in education in Yemen and beyond.
Commmunity Voices
“When my daughter was about to start school, I was very worried about how she would be received because of her special condition. From the very beginning, Bassmati proved to be an incredibly caring and supportive environment. The teachers stayed in close contact with me and supported her integration with great sensitivity. Most importantly, she feels safe, included, and goes to school happy every day.”
Parent of a Grade 1 student with special needs
“After a traumatic incident close to our home, Bassmati School showed extraordinary care and sensitivity toward our children. They were given space to share their experience and were supported with empathy and understanding by their classmates. This response played an important role in helping them process what had happened. We are deeply grateful to the school’s leadership and staff for their support during such a difficult time.”
Parent of students in KG and Primary that suffered severe trauma
Bassmati focuses on children’s skills and personalities rather than traditional learning alone, and this has made a clear and lasting difference for my son.”
Parent of a KG student with learning difficulties
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Student testimonals
“I like being in grade 1 because we read and do many projects. I don’t think about the war when I am in school and I have many friends and we play football in the break. I do not like the weekends, I wish we had school every day.”
Nash, grade 1.
“What I like about Bassmati school is that the teachers don’t give us all the answers, instead they teach us to think. When I grow up I want to be an ambassador for Yemen and Bassmati school will help me achieve my dream.”
Silwan, grade 3.
“I like Bassmati school more than my old school because in my old school there was a lot of bullying. In Bassmati bullying is not allowed and when we have a problem we solve it and become friends again.”
Bassem, grade 6 student
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Teacher testimonals
“Despite my 10 years of teaching experience, I’ve grown a lot at Bassmati School, both professionally and personally. The positive atmosphere has boosted my confidence and creativity, and I’ve developed new skills in 21st-century teaching methods and innovative approaches that better engage students.
Class teacher
I started as a teacher full of fear and self-doubt, unsure of myself and my abilities, however in Bassmati’s positive and supportive environment, my confidence and awareness grew, and I rediscovered my love for life and learning. I wish that all schools in Yemen could develop the same inclusive school environment as Bassmati, where everyone feels supported, encouraged, and respected.
Math teacher
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Contact for media inquiries, interviews, or visits:
Email: contact@bassmatischool.com
Phone/WhatsApp: 730 233 111