LocationsLocal bazaars support value chain development and youth economic empowerment in Yemen
October 7, 2024
A bazaar in Al-Mukalla District, Hadramout Governorate
Yemen's already strained economic situation is exacerbated by a multitude of hardships, including slow economic recovery and poor infrastructure. Youth face immense challenges, with limited access to education, employment opportunities, and essential resources. In such a challenging environment, opportunities for young men and women to build sustainable livelihoods are rare, making initiatives to support vocational and business skills training critical.
With generous funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen, with local partner, the Small and Micro Enterprises Promotion Service (SMEPS), has launched a series of bazaars to support young Yemeni entrepreneurs under our Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Phase II Project.
A bazaar in Al-Mukalla District, Hadramout Governorate
The bazaars organized as part of this project are not just events; they are lifelines for these Yemeni young entrepreneurs. These bazaars provide a rare and invaluable opportunity for youth to showcase their skills, market their products, and connect with potential customers. They serve as a practical platform for young people to apply what they have learned, gain real-world business experience, and generate income. Haziam, one of the participants in a bazaar who specializes in textiles and handloom from Ar rawdah District, Shabwah Governorate, shared, "I was struggling to promote my products until I discovered the bazaar, which provided me with the opportunity to meet many new people." He added, "I hope for continued support to further develop my project so I can achieve my dream of establishing a private laboratory with multiple machines, making it a primary source of income for me and my family."
In Al-Mukalla District, Hadramaut Governorate, a vibrant two-day bazaar was organized, spotlighting the talents of participants in the vocational training project. This event saw the participation of 33 participants, including 18 women, who had the chance to display their products to a wider audience. The primary goal of the bazaar was to enhance market exposure for these budding entrepreneurs, providing them with a valuable platform to present their goods to potential customers, thereby boosting their sales potential and establishing crucial market linkages. This initiative is a key component of the broader Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Project, which aims to empower Yemen's youth by equipping them with essential skills and opportunities through training and the organization of five local bazaars.
A bazaar in Al-Mukalla District, Hadramout Governorate
Brigadier Abdullah Bayashut, Al-Mukalla General Directorate shared his thoughts on attending the launch of a bazaar in Mukalla: “What we witnessed here today was truly heartwarming. Interventions like these are exactly what we need, especially in times like these. We are grateful for the support and funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for these projects that help alleviate some of the daily hardships people face, providing mothers with a valuable source of income. What we saw today was motivational, particularly the training programmes that empower participants to enter the labor market with confidence.”
A bazaar in Al-Qatn District, Hadramaut Governorate for food processing
Mariam, a participant training in food processing in Al-Qatn District, Hadramaut, shared her excitement about the bazaar: "This is my first time participating in such an event, and I believe it's a fantastic opportunity to promote my products and attract new customers."
In Al-Qatn District, Hadramaut Governorate, a one-day bazaar was held, with 40 women participating from the vocational training project. This event aimed to showcase their diverse products, providing these talented women with a valuable platform to present their goods to potential customers. The bazaar not only enhanced their market exposure and sales potential but also helped establish crucial market linkages, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods.
Amal, one of the participants training on food processing in Al-Qatn District, Hadramaut, expressed her enthusiasm about the bazaar: "Participating in this bazaar is a great opportunity for me to make my dairy products well-known and improve my income. It helps me reach new areas and allows more people to see and try my products, increasing demand. This experience not only helps me grow but also encourages me to consider opening my own shop in the future."
A bazaar in Al-Qatn District, Hadramaut Governorate for food processing
Jaafar Abdullah Al-Bakri, Dean of the Agricultural Veterinary Technical Institute in Hadramout and representative from the Ministry Office of Technical Education and Vocational Training, emphasizes the significance of marketing in the success of projects. He states, "Marketing is a crucial element for the success of any project. The concept of organizing a bazaar for startups is particularly important as it generates demand for home-based projects and fosters healthy competition among women to showcase their best offerings. The food industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and increasing demand. I believe that such a bazaar not only connects women to the local market but also helps build relationships with customers. It serves as a launchpad for these participating women, enabling them to grow and succeed. It is very important to repeat such a bazaar in other areas."
In a broader sense, these bazaars contribute to the local economy by stimulating small-scale businesses and encouraging community engagement. They are a testament to the resilience and potential of Yemen's youth, demonstrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, with the right support and opportunities, young people can drive positive change and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
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The Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Project (Phase II) aims to empower 1,533 young women and men in rural areas with vocational, technical, and business skills, and nurture a culture of entrepreneurship to enhance their employability and productive engagement in economic and local recovery activities. This project is funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). The project provides grants and technical training on a wide variety of in-demand professions across nine governorates and 24 districts: Abyan (Ahwar and Khanfir), Lahj (Al-Maqatera, Al-Qabaita, Radfan, Ras Al-Arah, Tuban), Aden (Daar Saad), Marib (Marib), Shabwah (Ar rawdah, Merkhah as sufla and Rudum), Hadramaut (Al-Mukalla, Al-Qatn, Ash shihr, Tareem), Al Maharah (Al-Ghaydah and Huswain), Ad dhale’e (Ad dhale'e and Al-Azariq), and Taiz (Al-Shamayatain Salah, Mawza and Al-Waziya). The project builds participants’ capacities in the areas of food processing, textiles and handloom, and vocational skills such as car mechanics, carpentry, cell phone repairs, home appliance maintenance, veterinary services, and solar energy systems installation and maintenance.
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