LocationsFostering an inclusive society: Solar and mobile phone maintenance training supports Yemeni youth with disabilities
December 4, 2024
Women participating in mobile phone maintenance vocational training in Hadramaut Governorate.
In Yemen, a country experiencing economic crisis, conflict, and severe climate events, persons with disabilities are among the most vulnerable. Ongoing economic hardship leaves many people without access to essential services and support. According to World Health Organization estimates, at least 4.5 million people in Yemen live with disabilities, representing about 15% of the population. These individuals can face significant barriers, including feelings of marginalization, lack of accessible infrastructure, and limited opportunities to support their livelihoods.
In the face of various challenges, vocational training, in topics such as solar maintenance and mobile phone repair, provides essential skills and opens doors to new opportunities and economic independence.
The Social Protection to Provide Social Cohesion in Vulnerable Communities in Yemen Project, generously funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, aims to enhance social cohesion and provide essential support to vulnerable communities, including persons with disabilities. By funding and supporting vocational training, this project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is playing a crucial role in supporting a more resilient and inclusive society in Yemen.
"Participating in the mobile maintenance training in Tareem District, Hadramaut Governorate, has been a transformative experience for me. As a trainee with a mobility impairment, I gain valuable knowledge and skills that I consider essential for my development. This training has opened doors for us, especially in light of the challenges faced by persons with special needs. I feel empowered, free from the constraints of my disability. My dream is to launch a project that allows me to enter the labor market and collaborate with my peers to establish a dedicated section for women in mobile maintenance shops." – Manal, project participant.
Vocational training in solar maintenance and mobile phone repair is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that persons with disabilities can participate fully. These sessions offer hands-on training, enabling participants to gain practical skills that are in high demand. With the increasing reliance on solar energy and the ubiquitous use of mobile phones, these skills are becoming invaluable.
Trainees taking mobile phone maintenance training in Hadramaut Governorate.
"The mobile maintenance training in Sheikh Othman District, Aden Governorate, has been exceptional. Such courses are vital for persons with special needs, as they help us develop our skills and integrate into society while entering the labor market. For a person with a mobility disability, opportunities like this are rare, and it feels incredible to be part of this project that actively includes persons with special needs. I am excited to start my own project, enter the labor market, and support myself and my family financially." – Ali, project participant.
“As someone with a mobility impairment, I am thrilled to be part of this training. The mobile maintenance has given me the chance to pursue my dream of starting my own mobile maintenance and repair business. After the training, I now feel confident in my ability to repair and maintain mobile phones." – Wissam, a trainee in the mobile maintenance field from Lahj Governorate.
Mobile phones are essential tools for communication, especially as more traditional communication methods, such as landline phones, are growing obsolete. Training in mobile phone repair allows individuals to become proficient in diagnosing and fixing common issues, from screen replacements to software troubleshooting. This skill set is particularly valuable in urban areas, where the demand for repair services is high.
Trainees taking vocational training in solar maintenance in Aden Governorate.
“I have greatly benefited from this training, learning how to install and maintain solar energy systems, including understanding the capacity of panels, batteries, and loads, as well as the various installation methods. Opportunities for persons with physical disabilities are rare, whether in work, training, or education, and I often encounter a negative perception from society. However, I found the training environment supportive and the trainer extremely cooperative. My ambition remains strong; my disability will not stop me from pursuing a profession I have long desired. Despite the challenges of limited training and job opportunities for persons with disabilities, I am determined to succeed.” - Radwan, a trainee in solar energy maintenance from Al-Mansoura in Aden Governorate.
Vocational training provides equal access to education and employment opportunities, fostering a more inclusive society. Participants gain confidence and a sense of purpose and feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“My hearing impairment makes it challenging to receive information easily, but I am committed to self-improvement. I actively seek help from my colleagues and continuously search for knowledge. This training has provided me with a valuable opportunity to enhance my skills in solar energy maintenance. I am excited to enter the labor market and explore the possibility of starting my own project or collaborating with fellow trainees I met during the course.” - Yazid, a trainee in solar energy maintenance from Tareem Distract, Hadramaut Governorate.
Vocational training in solar maintenance - Lahj Governorate.
Yemen’s abundant sunlight makes solar energy a viable and sustainable option for many communities. Training in solar maintenance equips individuals with the knowledge to install, maintain, and repair solar panels. This not only provides a reliable source of income but also contributes to the country’s energy needs. For persons with disabilities, this field offers a chance to work in a growing industry that values technical expertise.
Vocational training in solar maintenance and mobile phone repair equips persons with disabilities with valuable skills, creating new opportunities for economic independence and social inclusion.
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The Social Protection to Provide Social Cohesion in Vulnerable Communities in Yemen Project seeks to contribute to reduced vulnerability and strengthened resilience and social cohesion of targeted crisis- affected communities in Yemen through the creation of sustainable livelihoods and promotion of peacebuilding initiatives. This project is funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). The project targets the most vulnerable groups, including women, youth, unemployed Yemenis, marginalized groups such as Muhamasheen, Internally Displaced Persons, and people with disabilities, in six districts across Aden, Hadramaut and Lahj governorates. The project promotes local-level engagement of community institutions in identifying community priorities and implementing initiatives that tackle vulnerability to shocks and crises.
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