UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

07/15/2024 | News release | Archived content

Shaping the Skills of Yemeni Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development

The development of youth skills is more critical today than ever before. In an age marked by technological progress and rapid global change, the economy requires an innovative and skilled workforce. In Yemen, almost 30 percent of the population-over 30 million people-are under the age of 29. These young people are among the most valuable resources for building a prosperous and inclusive Yemen. By honing their unique talents and skills, young people can actively contribute to economic growth and social progress. Their innovative thinking allows them to tackle problems with creativity and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

However, over eight years of conflict and deteriorating economic conditions have disrupted people's livelihoods in Yemen. This has led to social instability and has had a heavy impact on Yemeni youth, making them increasingly vulnerable. This is evidenced by extremely high unemployment rates. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the unemployment rate in Yemen was nearly 18%, affecting those under 24 years of age.

As a result of the conflict, young women and men have encountered limited opportunities for education and training. Many lack the necessary vocational and entrepreneurial skills to secure sustainable employment and support their families. Moreover, youth are often excluded from decision-making processes in their communities, impeding their effective participation in peacebuilding and development initiatives.

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have played a key role in empowering Yemeni youth to realize their potential and drive positive change, contributing to community resilience and strengthening identity and social cohesion. As part of a larger initiative spanning over eight years, UNESCO, in partnership with the EU, has implemented two significant projects in the field of culture: "Cash for Work: Promoting Livelihood Opportunities" (2018-2022) and "Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen" (2022-2026) aim to provide economic relief to vulnerable youth by employing them in cultural heritage rehabilitation and creative industries. These initiatives not only raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage but also emphasize the need for skills development, which is critical for promoting social development by creating a more skilled workforce.

Within the initiative's framework, over 7,284 young people, including 781 women, were offered employment opportunities through various capacity-building and employment initiatives. The participating youth received training in various areas to develop their professional and entrepreneurial skills, equipping them with additional abilities to meet their financial needs and contribute positively to their community's well-being.

UNESCO

20-year-old Abdulkarim, a master builder assistant officer, joined the project at its inception and remains an enthusiastic participant. After finishing school, Abdulkarim was determined to support his family financially while also contributing to the conservation of his hometown's heritage in Old City of Sana'a. His unwavering dedication to preserving the cultural legacy, along with his desire to make a meaningful impact, motivated him to join the project.

The opportunities I've gained from this project have allowed me to work alongside experienced master builders, improving my skills through hands-on practice. The project has enhanced my craft and brought me closer to my dream of becoming a master builder. My family is proud of my achievements and encourages me to continue on this path, recognizing the importance of gaining valuable experience

Abdulkarim, a master builder assistant officer

Abdulkarim received comprehensive training in safety and security. Like other participants, he gained hands-on experience through mentorship by skilled workers and the project's master builders. His responsibilities included rehabilitating traditional walls and roofs of buildings, which equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge in the field. ''By rehabilitating the houses and repairing the damage, we let the houses live again. Getting to know the homeowners and helping them understand the nature of their houses ensures they can maintain them so they don't get damaged again and can survive." His participation in protecting and promoting cultural heritage strengthened his sense of identity and connection to his community.

Recognizing the transformative impact women can have on their communities, the project aims to develop women's capacity and increase their participation in diverse activities, extending beyond traditional roles to include leadership and innovative fields. By nurturing entrepreneurship opportunities and developing essential skills, the project empowers women to overcome social and cultural barriers. Through these efforts, women are equipped to make significant contributions to their communities, fostering personal and professional growth.

22-year-old Shima'a, a skilled worker on the project, has always been intrigued by new and creative endeavors. Her interest was piqued when she learned about Qamariya workshops, which aim to create multicolored stained-glass windows, a distinctive feature of Yemeni architecture.

UNESCO

My participation in the project gave me confidence that women can excel in architectural handicrafts," Shima'a shares. "The process of making Qamariyas, from colorful glass and gypsum plasters to intricate geometric patterns, is both beautiful and inspiring. It motivated me to design miniature models and heritage artifacts.

For centuries, Qamariyas have adorned Yemeni buildings with their vibrant colors and intricate designs. However, this age-old tradition is now fading. The project aims to revive this unique architectural handicraft by focusing on women's participation, as they are crucial to preserving this heritage. Shima'a believes, ''Women need to develop new skills and acquire knowledge to preserve our rich heritage from extinction, as it is not just a connection to our past but also a crucial part of our future. This work sparks passion, boosts confidence, and fosters development."

Shima'a breathes new life into this tradition. As a skilled worker on the project, she creates Qamariyas and trains unskilled workers, ensuring the craft's preservation and continuation.

As one of the few inexhaustible natural resources, creativity drives inclusive economic growth. UNESCO and the EU support youth-led cultural programs and services in Yemen, engaging over 650 artists and cultural operators. By providing a platform for youth to unleash their creativity and innovation, these programs amplify their voices and foster a sense of belonging. Through skill-building workshops, young people develop and strengthen their professional skills, enabling them to make significant contributions to their community.

Skills development holds the transformative power to unlock opportunities, revive economies, and foster sustainable development. Equipping Yemeni youth with essential skills is crucial for their success and fulfilment. The EU and UNESCO remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering a brighter future in Yemen through inclusive and empowering initiatives. The project is implemented in partnership with the Social Fund for Development and the Public Works Project.