By Aisha Jumaan, President, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation
Food baskets distribution. Photo: YRRF
Yemen, a country rich in history and culture, faces significant challenges due to prolonged conflict and economic instability. The Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation (YRRF) is actively working to address these issues through initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Yemen is currently experiencing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to recent United Nations reports, over 24 million people, about 80% of the population, require humanitarian assistance. The conflict has devastated the economy, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment. These conditions underscore the urgent need for interventions targeting SDG1 and SDG8.
To address SDG1 and SGG8, the YRRF’s initiatives focus on providing immediate relief and long-term solutions to reduce poverty. Key efforts include emergency relief programs such as distributing food, clean water, and medical supplies to the most affected communities. Another program provides economic support for families, such as offering financial assistance and providing families with animals, sewing machines, beehives, and other products to help families, especially women, start small businesses or regain financial stability.
Education and training constitute another way for YRRF to help families in need. This includes providing vocational training and educational opportunities to equip individuals with the skills needed for sustainable employment. Most of these programs were designed to empower youth and women as they are among the most affected by unemployment.
YRRF has prioritized food security and distributing food baskets to thousands of families annually. In 2021, they provided 37,749 families with food baskets, benefiting 226,494 individuals, including 151,297 children. During major holidays, they also distributed meat, reaching over 32,000 people. These efforts continued in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
YRRF has ensured the continuation of education for thousands of children by distributing school supplies. In 2022, they reached 5,860 children with school bags and supplies, and in 2023, they distributed over 4,000 school bags with supplies.
Support for orphans is another critical focus. YRRF provides ongoing financial aid for basic needs, education, and healthcare to over 900 children annually. In 2020, they introduced vocational training programs to equip older orphans with skills for future employment. The trainings included computer literacy, secretarial training, cell phone repairs, and solar panel installation, maintenance, and repair.
To promote self-reliance, YRRF launched several income-generation projects, including distributing livestock such as sheep, hens, and roosters, sewing machines, and beehives. In 2020, 155 families received sheep, and 300 families received hens and roosters. These initiatives expanded in subsequent years, reaching even more families. Additionally, YRRF provided support for a three-year training program for 20 midwives in Aldhale and Albydha.
Two notable success stories involve the Foundation’s income generation projects. Amina, a mother of four, received a sewing machine to start a tailoring business. With the income generated, she can now provide for her children and even employs two other women from her village. Another is Jamila and four other women who support orphans resulting from receiving food baskets and other support from YRRF. They also received equipment and baking material to start a bakery. The five women started their business and now distribute their goods to small grocery stores and schools.
Jamila and her partner’s baking company photos. Photos: YRRF
Stories like Amina’s and Jamila’s highlight the tangible impact of targeted economic support.
While the challenges are immense, the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation’s work offers a glimpse of hope. By supporting efforts to address SDG1 and SDG8, YRRF is addressing both the immediate needs and laying the groundwork for self-sufficiency. Continued support and collaboration with international partners will be crucial in sustaining and expanding these efforts.
The Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation’s commitment to making a dent on poverty and promoting economic growth is making a significant difference in the lives of those supported by our programs. We strive to continue our work in Yemen and reach even more people. Learn more about our impactful work by visiting yemenfoundation.org.