Young Yemeni Activists Efficiently Engage with Government Officials

Young people are perceived as treasured resources in any community; their unlimited ambition and energy leads them to pursue and achieve their goals in becoming effective members of society.  Investing in the growth of youth’s potential lays the foundation for a more outspoken society with its young activists seeking political progress and promoting social justice.  In May 2009, the Democracy School in Yemen led a series of activities that enhanced the civic engagement and political empowerment of Yemeni youth.  Supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), ninety young activists took part in a series of workshops, organized by the School, on concepts of successful independent leadership and public involvement.  The majority of participants were drawn from members of the Children’s Parliament of 2004 and 2006, in addition to youth members of Yemeni NGOs.

The training instilled in these young male and female activists perceptions of democracy as they learnt about advocacy, volunteerism, social participation, and mechanisms of outreach to the civic community and Local Councils.  The training was followed with a selection of advocacy teams for each Yemeni governorate and a team leader who held several meetings with governorate leaders and other local officials.  The meetings discussed challenges facing Yemeni youth, the role of youth in community outreach, and means of cooperation between young leaders and local councils in supporting the development of youth.  Additionally, each governorate leader presented a draft proposal for advocacy activities that would be approved by the Democracy School for discussion with Municipal Council leaders.  Depending on each governorate’s needs, proposals included political education for youth, youth’s participation in political parties, education of girls, awareness of the dangers of some ideologies and sectarian movements, effects of early marriage, and youth carrying weapons. 

The training sessions were valuable and inspired large interaction from the participants, commented Democracy School Director Jamal Al Shami.  “We have had some ex-parliamentarians apologize from lecturing, but fortunately we had tremendous cooperation from directors of governorates and Local Councils, as well as political parties,” he concluded.  The next steps will be for the governorate advocacy teams to adopt a public policy or law, research it, and present their recommendations in an ”open letter” to the local council for review and subsequent discussion.

The project’s related activities were published in local news sites such as 26 September, Al-Methaq.net, National Information Center website, and Saba News.