Education Yemen Project #43561

Humanitarian Relief for Yemen

by Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation

Project Report | Nov 6, 2024
July - September 2024 Accomplishments

By Ina Lee | Communications Director

Measuring malnutrition levels in children

Dear Friends of the Yemen Relief & Reconstruction Foundation,

This past quarter, our team continued to deliver vital assistance to communities across Yemen, addressing the prolonged challenges of conflict, economic strain, and natural disasters. The Yemeni people, already struggling with limited access to food, water, and healthcare, were further impacted by floods and worsening economic conditions. Despite these difficulties, our commitment to supporting Yemen’s most vulnerable remains unwavering. From July to September 2024, we carried out various projects to meet immediate needs and foster resilience for the future.

Addressing Malnutrition

Malnutrition remains a severe issue in Yemen, especially for young children. Over 17 million Yemenis – more than half the population – endure food insecurity and a lack of essential nutrients, with children at the highest risk. Severe malnutrition leads to stunted growth, weakened immunity, and high susceptibility to disease.

This quarter, we continued to support over 1,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) across Yemen’s hardest-hit areas: Aljarahi, Almatamah, AlSadah, Alsokhna, Jabal Habashi, Jabal Sabir, Alhwatah, Koaedenah, and Aslim. These regions, marked by poverty and limited access to resources, face some of the most severe needs. In more populated areas, such as Aljarahi and Koaedenah, we allocated additional resources to reach a greater number of children. We also continued to support the nutritional needs of children at Alburaiqa Medical Center in Aden. By September, we had expanded our malnutrition project in Aslam, Hajja Governorate, delivering therapeutic foods and supplements to improve children’s health and educating caregivers on nutritional practices for sustained wellness.

Orphan Sponsorship Program

The situation for orphans in Yemen is dire, as years of conflict, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises have left at least one million children orphaned. Most orphans are vulnerable to malnutrition, illness, and exploitation, with limited access to education, healthcare, and basic needs. Facilities and support systems for orphans are severely strained. International aid organizations attempt to provide assistance, but given the overwhelming numbers and limited resources, the needs of Yemeni orphans remain largely unmet.

Our Orphan Sponsorship Program continues to support 374 orphans across various governorates in Yemen. This includes multiple districts within each of the following governorates: Aden, Sana’a, Amran, Ibb, Taiz, Saada, Almhaweet, Alhodeidah, Albaydha, Aljawaf, Hajjah, and Dhamar. Through this program, these children receive monthly allowances to help with necessities such as shelter, food, clothing, and education, offering them a more secure future despite the hardships they face.

Equipping Young Learners with School Supplies

For families struggling to meet essential needs, purchasing school supplies can be out of reach. In August, YRRF distributed 4,814 school bags filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and other materials to children across multiple governorates, including various districts within Hodeidah, Ibb, Aljawf, Dhamar, Sana’a, Taiz, Almahweet, Lahj, Raymah, and Albaydha. The program also supports children with cancer and children with disabilities. This initiative alleviates the financial strain on families and ensures children have the necessary tools to pursue their education.

Lifesaving Medical Support

In Yemen, access to healthcare remains a critical necessity, with countless individuals unable to reach basic medical services. YRRF provided targeted medical support to those most in need, addressing urgent health concerns that might otherwise go untreated. In July, we assisted with three medical cases and expanded our outreach to support four more in August.

Fostering Economic Independence

Economic hardship in Yemen has pushed millions into poverty, severely impacting families, particularly women. The prolonged conflict has devastated Yemen’s economy, reducing employment opportunities, driving up inflation, and leaving many unable to afford basic necessities. Families struggle with soaring food and fuel prices and are often forced to make difficult choices between essentials. Women, who traditionally have fewer economic opportunities, are especially affected; many have become sole providers due to displacement, loss of male family members, or unemployment. Limited access to healthcare, education, and support systems further exacerbates the burden on women, making it difficult for them to secure a stable livelihood for their families.

YRRF continues to prioritize income-generation projects for families in need, especially women. Our initiatives aim to build sustainable livelihoods for these families. In August, we launched a bakery project in Amanat Alasemah, Sanaa, supporting five women-led households and benefiting 40 individuals. This bakery provides a reliable income source, helping these women attain financial independence.

In September, we initiated emergency income projects to aid families impacted by floods. These efforts provided:

90 sheep to 30 families in Zabid, Hodeidah Governorate, benefiting 270 people.
180 sheep to 60 families in Malhan, Almahweet Governorate, benefiting 540 people.
135 sheep to 45 families in Raemah Governorate, benefiting 405 people.
180 sheep to 60 families near Hodeidah Governorate, benefiting 540 people.

These projects offer families immediate sustenance and a sustainable income source through animal husbandry, supporting them on the path to economic recovery.

Distributing Emergency Food Baskets

Severe floods in recent months have worsened food insecurity in Yemen, impacting thousands of families. To address the urgent need for food, YRRF distributed emergency food baskets to flood-affected families. In August, we supported 200 families (1,800 individuals) in the Hodeidah Governorate. In September, we reached:

300 families (2,700 individuals) in Malhan, Almahweet Governorate
100 families (900 individuals) in Almatamah, Aljawf Governorate
180 families (1,620 individuals) in Ibb Governorate

In total, the September distributions assisted 580 families and 5,220 individuals, helping to alleviate hunger in struggling communities.

Providing Clean Water to Those in Need

Yemen faces a severe water crisis, exacerbated by arid conditions, ongoing conflict, and failing infrastructure. More than 18 million people lack access to safe water, leading to widespread diseases like cholera. Recent heavy rains and flooding have worsened the situation, displacing tens of thousands, destroying homes, and further damaging water and sanitation systems. The floods have also contaminated water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

In response to this crisis, YRRF has continued its work with the water well in Hodeidah, expanding services to reach more villages and initiating several projects to improve access to clean water. In August, YRRF continued work on a water well project in Hodeidah Governorate, establishing the necessary infrastructure for clean water access and advancing sustainable water resources in the region. In September, YRRF launched two additional water trucking projects to support communities affected by floods. These efforts provided clean water to:

1,000 people in Almatamah, Aljawf Governorate
900 people in five camps across rural areas and villages in Hodeidah Governorate

Each water project ensures consistent access to safe drinking water and helps curb the spread of disease.

Offering Cash Support

Amid economic instability and rising inflation, many Yemeni families face severe financial strain. YRRF provided monthly cash assistance to vulnerable families, offering relief to those struggling to meet essential needs. In August, we assisted four families, followed by three more in September. This cash support helps families cover urgent expenses and brings a measure of stability during these challenging times.

Midwifery Graduation

The health of women and children in Yemen is in critical condition, worsened by conflict, poverty, and an overwhelmed healthcare system. Limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, leaves many women without essential prenatal, maternal, and newborn care, resulting in one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. Malnutrition is rampant, and many children suffer from preventable diseases due to a lack of immunization and basic health services. The need for well-trained midwives is urgent, as they play a crucial role in safe childbirth and maternal health, especially where hospitals and doctors are scarce. Empowering and training more midwives could significantly reduce maternal and child mortality, providing women with a safer and more supportive birthing environment and improving overall health outcomes for Yemen’s most vulnerable.

Recognizing this need, particularly in areas with no trained midwives, YRRF initiated a project to train 16 women from underserved regions in Yemen. In August 2024, these women completed a three-year midwifery diploma program, equipping them to provide prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care in communities often lacking healthcare facilities. By training midwives, we empower these women to improve maternal and infant health, contribute to community well-being, and secure a source of income for themselves.

Raising Awareness

To bring attention to Yemen’s ongoing crisis, we work to highlight the core issues affecting the country. Our latest blog post on Global Washington, titled “The Path to an Equitable Educational Environment in Yemen,” outlines our efforts and challenges in advancing fair educational opportunities. Read more here.

Discover Yemen and Support Education with the “Treasures of Yemen” Puzzle!

We are excited to introduce the “Treasures of Yemen” puzzle in partnership with Rise for Yemen – a unique and meaningful way to explore Yemen’s rich heritage while supporting educational initiatives for students across the country. Each purchase directly contributes to expanding learning opportunities for Yemeni students.

This 200-piece puzzle captures Yemen’s cultural wonders, from renowned treasures like coffee, honey, and silver to ancient castles and the mystical Well of Barhout. Alongside the puzzle, enjoy a 15-page booklet filled with captivating stories of Yemen’s remarkable history.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Rise for Yemen for their dedication to supporting our education programs. Rise for Yemen will donate proceeds from puzzle purchases to YRRF for one month, from November 15 to December 15. By purchasing this puzzle here and spreading the word, you are helping to build a brighter future for children in Yemen. Thank you for making a difference!

Looking Ahead

As the crisis in Yemen continues, we are steadfast in our mission to deliver relief to those who need it most. With your generous support, we can address urgent needs and build a foundation for lasting change. Thank you for standing by us as we provide hope and assistance to Yemen’s most vulnerable.

Your contributions have made an immeasurable impact on many lives, and with your continued support, we can expand our reach even further. Please consider a recurring gift to sustain our work and follow us on social media to stay updated on our efforts.

With sincere gratitude,

Yemen Relief & Reconstruction Foundation

Painting by orphans, depicting homes and families

Distributing school bags to children in Dhamar

Schoolgirls in Ibb Governorate

A bakery supported by YRRF

Sending animals to families affected by floods

Links:

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Jul 19, 2024
April - June 2024 Impact Report

By Ina Lee | Communications Director

Assessing a child's nutritional status in Aljawf

As we continue to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, we face severe challenges such as widespread malnutrition, the resurgence of cholera outbreaks, economic instability, and the devastating impacts of prolonged conflict. The Yemeni people are enduring immense hardships, with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare. Despite these obstacles, our dedication to aiding Yemen’s most vulnerable populations has never been stronger. Between April and June 2024, we achieved significant milestones across various projects, bringing tangible relief and hope to those in need.

Combating Severe Malnutrition

The malnutrition situation in Yemen is critical, with children being the most affected. The ongoing conflict has devastated the country’s economy and infrastructure, severely limiting access to food and clean water. Over 2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, with half a million suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is life-threatening. Malnutrition has led to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased vulnerability to diseases among Yemeni children.

Because of the dire consequences of malnutrition on the healthy development of children and to reduce morbidity and mortality, YRRF prioritized addressing malnutrition among children. During this reporting period, YRRF focused on treating malnourished children in multiple regions, including Aljarahi and Alsokhna in Hodeidah, Almatamah in Aljawf, Alsadah in Ibb, Jabal Habashi and Jabal Sabir in Taiz, and Koaedenah in Hajjaa. We reached 1,000 children suffering from severe and moderate acute malnutrition monthly. These children received high-protein formulas, food supplements, and continuous medical supervision. Our intervention ensured six months of access to therapeutic foods after treatment, improving their immediate health and supporting their long-term development.

We also educated caregivers on proper feeding practices, promoting sustainable health improvements that address both current needs and help prevent future relapses. This comprehensive approach is crucial in protecting Yemen’s youngest and most vulnerable populations amidst ongoing conflict and economic instability.

Empowering Through Income Generation

The economic situation in Yemen is dire, with the ongoing conflict exacerbating poverty and unemployment, particularly affecting women in rural areas. These women face immense challenges, as traditional livelihoods such as agriculture have been disrupted by the war. Limited access to markets, resources, and education further marginalizes them economically. The collapse of public services and infrastructure has made it difficult for women to access healthcare and support services, increasing their vulnerability. Additionally, many women have become primary breadwinners due to the loss of male family members in the conflict, further straining their already limited resources and opportunities.

To respond to these economic challenges, YRRF prioritized economic empowerment, especially among women who have been displaced due to the war. Between April and June 2024, YRRF implemented an income generation project across several regions, including Almatama in Aljawf, Bait Alfakeih in Hodeidah, Belad Altaam in Raemah, Jabal Habashi and Jabal Sabir in Taiz, Kames Bani Saad in Almahweet, and Radaa in Albeida. This initiative provided 222 households, including 133 female-headed and 89 male-headed households, with livestock and comprehensive training in animal husbandry, benefiting a total of 1,776 individuals.

Each family received either 3 sheep or goats or 9 egg-laying hens and 1 rooster, along with necessary vaccinations and a barn. These animals offer a sustainable source of income and nutrition, enhancing food security and promoting self-sufficiency. By selling products such as meat, milk, wool, and eggs, families can achieve economic stability. Moreover, this project has improved the nutritional status of families, particularly children, by providing essential proteins and micronutrients.

Orphan Sponsorship

The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen have significantly impacted children, leading to a substantial increase in the number of orphans. According to recent estimates, there are over one million orphans in Yemen. These children face dire circumstances, with the majority lacking basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter. These constraints have led to increased health risks, including preventable diseases. Moreover, many are forced to drop out of school due to economic hardships.

Through our orphan sponsorship program, YRRF has made a profound impact on the lives of 354 orphans under 18 years of age across various regions. This program provides families with access to essential resources like shelter, food, and clothing, giving them the support needed to pave the way for a brighter future.

Celebrating Eid al-Adha with the Udhiya Program

Eid al-Adha, a significant religious festival in Yemen, is marked by hardship and struggle under the current circumstances. The ongoing conflict and economic collapse have severely impacted the population’s ability to celebrate this important occasion. Many families cannot afford the traditional sacrificial animals, and the joy of the festival is overshadowed by the daily struggle for survival. Food scarcity, displacement, and loss of income mean that many Yemenis, especially in conflict-affected areas, are unable to partake in customary feasts.

This Eid, YRRF carried out the Udhiya/Qurbani program across Yemen, providing meat shares to 2,342 families, benefiting a total of 14,052 individuals. Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The program reflects this spirit of giving by providing meat to those in need, ensuring they can partake in the celebration.

Our efforts focused on regions including Aden, Aljawf, Almahweet, Aslam, Dhamar, Hajjaa, Hodeidah, Ibb, Lahj, Old Sana’a City, Raymah, Sana’a, and Taiz. Each beneficiary received meat packages ranging from 1.5 to 3 kilograms, depending on the livestock distributed. Additionally, 300 orphans received $50 each as Eid gifts. Through the hard work of our team, we ensured aid reached the most vulnerable, reflecting our commitment to alleviating poverty and supporting communities in Yemen.

Water Tank Distribution

The lack of access to clean water in Yemen has had devastating impacts on the population, contributing to a resurgence of cholera. The conflict has damaged water infrastructure, leaving millions without safe drinking water. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation have led to widespread waterborne diseases, with cholera being particularly rampant. Since the outbreak in 2016, Yemen has experienced one of the worst cholera epidemics in recent history, affecting over 2 million people. Children are especially vulnerable, facing severe dehydration and death without prompt treatment.

To address the urgent need for clean water, we distributed water tanks to 10 families, ensuring they have access to safe and clean drinking water, which is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and reducing health risks.

Cash Support for Families in Need

Unemployment and poverty are rampant. Inflation has soared, making basic necessities like food, fuel, and medicine unaffordable for many families. Public services are nearly non-existent, and government salaries have not been paid since August 2016, further straining household incomes. The economic collapse has forced many into debt and reduced purchasing power, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leaving millions dependent on humanitarian aid for survival.

This quarter, we provided cash support to 120 individuals, allowing them to meet their immediate needs and support their families during these challenging times. This financial assistance has been vital in helping them cope with economic instability and the rising cost of living.

Graduation of Women Midwives

Training midwives in Yemen is crucial to address the dire maternal and child health crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and economic hardship. With a severely weakened healthcare system, many women in Yemen lack access to skilled birth attendants, leading to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. YRRF supported 20 women from areas in Yemen without midwives to enroll in a three-year midwife training program.

This June, all of these midwives graduated, allowing them to significantly improve outcomes by providing essential prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. These skilled midwives can now also educate communities on health practices, identify complications early, and offer lifesaving interventions. Investing in midwife training allows us to enhance the quality of care, empower women, and build resilience within communities, contributing to broader health and development goals in Yemen.

Women’s Empowerment through Entrepreneurship

Supporting women in Yemen to start their own businesses, such as bakeries, is vital for fostering economic stability and empowerment in a war-torn country. With traditional livelihoods disrupted and many women becoming primary breadwinners, small businesses offer a pathway to financial independence and resilience. YRRF supported five Yemeni women in starting their own bakeries, allowing them to provide for their families, create jobs within their communities, and stimulate local economies. Additionally, empowering women through entrepreneurship helps to promote social cohesion and enhances community well-being. YRRF provided the women with all the necessary equipment and materials to start their businesses, enabling them to overcome barriers and succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors, contributing to long-term economic recovery and development in Yemen.

Raising Awareness

To shed light on the situation in Yemen, we strive to highlight the critical issues impacting the country. Our latest blog posts on Global Washington, “Tackling Poverty and Unemployment in Yemen” and “Hope in Every Drop: Bringing Clean Water to Yemen,” illustrate our crucial efforts and the challenges we face. Read more through the following links:

Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts

We are deeply grateful for your generous support. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of many Yemeni families. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach and impact, ensuring that we continue to bring hope and relief to those who need it most.

Please consider a recurring gift to support our ongoing work. You can make a tax-deductible donation anytime on our website or our GlobalGiving page. Stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn, and share our updates with your friends and family.

Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Yemen Relief & Reconstruction Foundation

Distributing sheep in Khamis Bani Saad, Almahweet

"This is my wish, a small house."

Meat distribution in Sana'a

Delivering water tanks to families in need

Supporting Yemeni women in starting their bakeries

Links:

Visit our website to learn more about YRRF's impact

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Apr 22, 2024
Updates for January to March 2024

By Aisha Jumaan | President

Dear friends of Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation –

The need on the ground in Yemen continues to be great, and the response from the international community wholly insufficient. We have had to scale back the scope of our services in response to funding cuts, but we continue to do what we can to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Between January and March 2024, we were able to accomplish the following:

Addressing severe malnutrition

This project serves children hospitalized for severe malnutrition in Koaedenah-Hajjaa, Aljarahi-Hodeidah, Alsokhna-Hodeidah, Jabal Sabir-Taiz, Jabal Habashi-Taiz, Almatamah-AlJawf, and AlSadah-IBB. As many children who are discharged from the nutrition treatment centers relapse, YRRF provided 1000 children in the above areas with monthly nutritious food for 6-months to ensure that they don’t relapse. It is estimated that one in five children under the age of five are acutely malnourished in Yemen.

Ramadan Food Basket

Yemen faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with over 20 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and more than half of the population confronting severe food shortages. Over 2.3 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. In the Midst of these crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) in December 2023 suspended food aid distribution to about 9.5 million, exacerbating an already dire situation.

This Ramadan started on March 10^th and ended on April 9th, YRRF distributed food baskets to about 3500 families throughout Yemen. Each food basket contained 25 kilograms of flour, 10 kilograms rice, 5 kilograms sugar, 4 liters oil, 12 cans of beans, 1 kilogram powdered milk, and kilogram dates.

Well

YRRF started a project to dig a well in Zawia village that suffers from lack of drinking water. The village relies on some remote wells that were dug unprofessionally as a source of water. Often, the people of the village have to pay for water and most families cannot afford to pay for water.

The project aims to provide clean water to 2525 people (1290 families) in the village and the surrounding areas including displaced families in 8 other villages. The project will coordinate with local authorities and community services to create awareness about the importance of clean water and its impact on public health. The well will have a solar operated pump.

Winter clothing and Blankets

YRRF distributed 4,000 pieces of winter jackets, sweaters and blankets in the high mountains of Yemen.

Orphan support

There are over one million orphaned children in Yemen. YRRF supports 365 orphans monthly across Yemen with funds that they use for their basic needs — food, shelter, educational expenses, and healthcare.

Income Generation Projects

Between January and March 2024, thanks to support from Zakat Foundation, YRRF distributed 450 sheep/goats, 540 egg-laying hens, 60 roosters and covered vaccines and operating expenses. Each family received either 9 chickens and a roster or 3 sheep. We also provided feed and veterinary services. In all, 210 families, 1,470 individuals, benefitted from this income generation project. The majority of the beneficiaries were women, a total of 126 households headed by women.

YRRF provided for the supply and material for establishing a bakery for 3 women. YRRF continue to sponsor 20 women completing a midwifery 3-years training program in areas with zero trained midwives – when these women graduate from the program, they will be able to provide critically needed maternal health services in their communities.

Promoting Childhood Vaccination

The demise of the health system in Yemen has led to severe consequences on the health indicators for the population, and especially children. Moreover, anti-vaccine rumors during COVID-19 led to fears of the vaccines. The vaccination coverage in Yemen declined resulting in the emergence of vaccine preventable diseases outbreaks. In 2023, 27% of children aged under 1 year were fully immunized.

In response to these alarming issues, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, through a project funded by a Seattle based organization, started a campaign to increase awareness among the Yemeni public about the dangers of vaccine preventable diseases and promoting vaccination. We established social media channels (Safe Childhood) and developed vaccine education material that is specific to Yemen and takes into account the cultural norms. Please visit our social media handles to see our work.

Our wish for reminder of 2024

Please consider a recuring gift to the work we do on the ground in Yemen. You can make a tax-deductible donation anytime on our website or on our GlobalGiving page.

P.S. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitterand LinkedIn and share our updates with your friends and family.

Links:

Yemen Foundation Page

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