The project aims to empower Yemeni youth and enhance their role in fostering peace and development at the local level. As part of a comprehensive vision, this initiative seeks to engage youth in addressing societal issues and strengthening social cohesion across Yemen. Funded by Save the Children – Oman (SCI-MEEE), the project spans ten months. The idea of the project is rooted in the “Youth Platform for Peace,” an independent national youth initiative established in 2020, comprising youth components from various Yemeni governorates. This platform serves as a dynamic space that enables young people to express their views and actively participate in creating sustainable solutions to local conflicts and challenges. In 2021, the “Youth Support Group” (YSG) was launched under the platform’s umbrella to unify the efforts of youth collectives and strengthen their role in promoting community peace. The “Empowering and Building the Capacities of Youth Components” project focuses on restructuring and strategically organizing the platform to better equip it to address challenges and achieve its objectives. The initiative implements a series of integrated activities that combine training and practical application, equipping youth with the tools needed to lead mediation processes and resolve conflicts. The training sessions cover diverse areas, including community dialogue skills, peacebuilding, and the development of policy papers that support youth participation in local decision-making processes. In addition to training, the project offers youth the opportunity to implement community interventions aimed at resolving four local issues in targeted governorates. This allows participants to apply their acquired skills practically, contributing to the improvement of their communities. The project places particular emphasis on enhancing youth participation in politics and decision-making, with a focus on ensuring women’s involvement as an integral part of these efforts. The project is implemented across nine Yemeni governorates: Aden, Taiz, Dhamar, Hodeidah, Sana’a, Marib, Ibb, Lahj, and Shabwah. This geographical scope demonstrates a commitment to reaching as many young people as possible while addressing the unique challenges and needs of each governorate. One of the project’s key outcomes is the enhanced coordination between various youth components within the platform, facilitating unified efforts and harnessing their collective energy to address societal challenges effectively. The project also aims to strengthen the capacities of participants, aged between 18 and 45, enabling them to play significant roles in fostering peace and driving community development.

As part of its commitment to enhancing the roles of youth and women in fostering social stability, Sheba Youth Foundation implemented the “Youth and Women Participation in Social Stability” project. The initiative included the organization of discussion workshops in three Yemeni governorates: Taiz, Aden, and Lahj. Funded by Save the Children – Yemen (SCI-Yemen), the project aims to activate the participation of young people and women in strengthening social cohesion and building a safer and more stable environment. The workshops witnessed broad participation from decision-makers, representatives of local authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and media professionals. During the sessions, the results and recommendations of a research study led by 30 researchers from the three governorates were presented. The study focused on analyzing the role of youth and women in promoting social stability, identifying challenges they face, and exploring opportunities to enhance their contributions. The research study provided valuable insights into how youth and women can be empowered as active participants in decision-making processes, thereby supporting the development of more cohesive and stable communities. The workshops included in-depth discussions of these findings and recommendations, emphasizing the need to translate them into practical programs and activities that enable youth and women to play a more significant role in fostering social stability. The workshops were characterized by a dynamic exchange of ideas among participants, who shared innovative perspectives on mechanisms to implement the recommendations. These discussions highlighted the importance of developing initiatives that enhance the roles of youth and women across various sectors. Additionally, the dialogue underscored the critical need for collaboration between local entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure the project’s sustainable impact. Funded by Save the Children – Yemen (SCI-Yemen), the “Youth and Women Participation in Social Stability” project represents a significant milestone in engaging youth and women in pathways to development and peace. The initiative reflects Sheba Youth Foundation’s commitment to fostering opportunities for meaningful participation and supporting sustainable efforts to build peaceful and stable communities in Yemen.

Taiz, September 29, 2024 Media Unit – Sheba Youth Foundation Today, the Sheba Youth Foundation organized an introductory workshop on the Community Mediation and Social Cohesion Unit in Taiz Governorate as part of the “Sanad 3” project, which is funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The workshop aimed to present the objectives of the Mediation Unit and discuss its role in resolving local disputes, particularly in areas such as water resource management. The event was attended by 50 participants, including representatives from youth organizations, civil society, and local activists, as well as officials from security, water authorities, and the local government.   Opening Remarks The workshop was opened by Mohamed Al-Harawi, the project manager at Sheba Youth, who introduced the “Sanad 3” project and the Community Mediation Unit. He highlighted the critical role the unit will play in the governorate and emphasized the importance of collaboration to enhance access to basic services like water. Bakel Al-Ameri, the local coordinator for UNDP in Taiz, followed with remarks on the strategic importance of the Mediation Unit in promoting dialogue and resolving community disputes. He stressed the need for continued efforts, particularly in collaboration with the security and water sectors, to address pressing issues such as water supply.   Engaging Discussions A fruitful discussion followed, with contributions from Samir Al-Ashbat, Assistant Director of Security for Residential Neighborhood Affairs. Al-Ashbat shed light on the challenges facing the Mediation Unit, particularly those related to water issues.   Closing Remarks on the Unit’s Importance The workshop concluded with a call for united efforts from all stakeholders to ensure social stability and the provision of essential services. Participants proposed mechanisms to strengthen the role of the Community Mediation and Social Cohesion Unit in achieving these goals.

In the heart of the community, Ama, the ambitious and socially active young woman, embarked on a distinctive journey through the corridors of Sheba youth. This first step was the pivotal moment that altered the course of her life. Ama opened her heart to the opportunity for innovation and personal development by participating in one of Sheba youth’s courses through the link that facilitated her joining. Here, the genuine desire to explore the profound understanding of peacebuilding concepts and conflict transformation emerged. Amidst an interactive and participatory atmosphere, Ama actively engaged in the training course, gathering valuable insights into the art of dialogue and the skill of understanding that paves the way for peacebuilding based on comprehension and collaboration. This moment was the turning point that shaped the foundation for developing her understanding of social matters and peacebuilding. Through interaction with specialized trainers and exchanging ideas with fellow participants, Ama flourished and benefited from their diverse experiences. She acquired new skills in communication and conflict resolution, deriving a broader vision of how youth can play an effective role in societal change Effective Contribution to Transforming Reality After grasping the fundamentals of peacebuilding through the courses at Sheba youth, Ama began utilizing this knowledge effectively to bring about change in her community. She gained the ability to transform local conflicts into new opportunities for communication and understanding by facilitating effective dialogues and focal discussions that brought conflicting parties together. Ama led motivational and awareness campaigns for participants in her sessions, using tools of effective dialogue and conflict transformation techniques. Building on the peace concepts acquired from the training, she initiated ongoing efforts to promote a culture of peace and coexistence in her social environment. The dialogue sessions and discussions were not just symbolic acts but real opportunities to bridge different perspectives and build communication bridges. Ama also contributed to using peace as an effective tool for conflict resolution and promoting understanding among community members. Despite the challenges and resistances, Ama’s nation continued to direct its efforts towards achieving positive change. It organized awareness campaigns within its community, addressing issues of peace and the importance of understanding between different generations. Ama’s nation succeeded in engaging broad segments of society, particularly the youth and women, in these efforts, making it a role model in the field of peacebuilding. Training Future Generations Ama took it upon herself to share that knowledge with others. She trained six women and girls from her community, where they benefited from the knowledge and skills in peacebuilding and conflict transformation. This qualitative course in  Shamayatayn was a prime example of how Sheba youth Foundation has influenced and empowered her, turning her into an effective agent for positive change. In this manner, Ama transformed from an individual who benefited from the training provided by Sheba youth into a development leader in her community. She carries with her the principles of peace, dialogue, and policy-making skills. Thanks to the impact of the Youth of Sheba youth, Ama succeeded in transforming herself and her surroundings into a better reality. Transition towards Leadership and Impact Ama’s journey with Shabab Saba training courses did not stop at simply acquiring knowledge; rather, she saw it as an opportunity to transform this knowledge into a positive impact that extends to future generations. Her supervisory journey began by training six women and girls from her community, transforming them into a strong, inspirational women’s team capable of actively contributing to peace-building. Making an Impact in Al- Shamayatayn: Ama’s contribution to the community manifested through the organization of a transformative workshop in the Al- Shamayatayn region. This workshop was not merely a training event; it became a transformative journey for the participants. Skills in peacebuilding and conflict transformation emerged as everyday tools, shaping new visions of collaborative leadership and contributing to positive change. Disseminating the Vision: Ama directed the workshop towards crucial societal issues, addressing peace, women’s rights, and community challenges. Women and girls who underwent training gained an understanding of the effective roles women can play in peacebuilding and development.

Among the stories of inspiring change and empowerment, we explore the narrative of Hamed Mohammed Al-Shaddadi, an officer in the Yemeni Ministry of Interior, whose strong faith and bold vision led him to a more profound understanding of the concept of gender, transforming his life and perceptions of society. At the beginning of his journey, Hamed viewed gender superficially, considering it merely a means to discuss the challenges and injustices faced by women. However, with his participation in a unique training program by Sheba youth Foundation, that perspective underwent a complete transformation. He began to see gender as a broader concept, encompassing relationships, roles, and social behaviors of both genders. Hamed shared his experience with impactful words: ‘After the training, I realized that gender is a positive concept that can be used to promote gender equality. I learned that women have the same rights and duties as men, and they should enjoy equal opportunities and potentials.’ Today, Hamed works to convey this newfound understanding to society, aiming to correct misconceptions about gender and build bridges of understanding. He hopes to see a society that respects women and ensures their rights.   Not only that, but Hamed also offers valuable recommendations to enhance social awareness, including: Continue organizing discussion sessions to attract a wider range of community members. Expand the scope of community participation in the field of gender equality. Conduct training courses for community leaders. Engage in sustainable projects that serve the community. Hamed emphasizes the importance of gender equality training in achieving gender parity, stating, “Gender equality training is a powerful tool that can help change misconceptions and achieve gender equality.” Hamed serves as an inspirational model, encouraging others to delve deeply into prevailing concepts and effect positive change in society.

Taiz – March 5, 2024Media Unit – Sheba Youth Today, an important workshop was held in Taiz aimed at creating a comprehensive executive plan for the Sanitation and Improvement Fund, as part of the “Improvement” initiative to enhance local mediation in sanitation and improvement issues. This workshop is funded by Deep Root Consulting and implemented by Sheba Youth. In conjunction with the workshop’s launch, Ms. Aftihan Al-Mashhari, General Director of the Sanitation and Improvement Fund, opened the session by emphasizing the project’s significance and how to effectively implement the current strategic plan on the ground. Ms. Eftihan highlighted the importance of the workshop in developing a comprehensive executive plan for the Sanitation and Improvement Fund. She spoke about the critical role this project plays in enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens. The workshop was attended by 20 participants, including members of the Sanitation and Improvement Fund Board, representatives from the fund, district directors, and their representatives from the Salh, Al-Mudhaffar, and Cairo districts. The event also included the participation of civil society representatives and academics experienced in strategic planning, among them Dr. Abdulraqeeb Al-Samawi, Director of the General Administration for Accreditation and Licensing at the Academic Accreditation Council and Quality Assurance of Higher Education. In her closing remarks, Ms. Eftihan pointed out that this project reflects the commitment of local authorities and partners to achieve sustainable development in Taiz Governorate and to enhance services that meet the needs of citizens. The workshop addressed a range of vital topics, including an analysis of the current sanitation situation in the governorate and the identification of immediate needs. There was a strong focus on developing an executive plan that outlines the objectives and necessary actions to improve the environmental and living conditions of citizens. This workshop represents a significant step toward achieving effective improvements in the sanitation and enhancement sector in Taiz Governorate.

  To empower young people practically and provide them with the ability to engage in community work, we implemented Sheba Youth Internship Program 2022, in which we trained 4 young people in the fields of media, finance, logistics and coordination. The internship lasted for six full months, during which the trainees worked side by side with the Foundation’s team and gained qualitative skills and knowledge.