Alwaleed Philanthropies, chaired by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud, said it has signed two memorandums of cooperation (MoC) with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), represented by the Secretary General of the Philanthropy, Princess Lamia Bint Majed Al Saud and SDRPY’s Supervisor, Ambassador Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber. 

 

The first agreement is in collaboration with UN-Habitat, represented by the Program’s Executive Director, Maimunah Mohd Sharif, to launch the ‘Adequate Housing Project’. 

 

The second agreement is in collaboration with Education for Employment (EFE), represented by its Executive Officer, Andrew Baird, to implement an educational program, entitled: Building the Future for Yemeni Youth. Ultimately, the projects are expected to positively impact 4,860 people in Yemen. 

 

The virtual event was attended by ministers, senior officials and representatives from Yemen, including the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Waed Abdullah Badhib, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Dr. Muhammad Al-Zaouri and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructures, Manea Bayamain. 

 

Al Jaber said: "The initiatives are part of our ongoing efforts to assist the Government in Yemen by restoring housing, and offering placement programs, job trainings, and self-employment opportunities to youth, under the directives of King Salman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman."

 

In coordination with the Yemeni government and local authorities, and in cooperation with civil society organizations, the “Adequate Housing Project” aims to restore 600 housing units for low-income households in Aden and other areas with low living standards in Yemen, he added. 

 

Mohd Sharif said: "This partnership will enhance our contributions in Yemen and will enable us to provide assistance and support for these underprivileged groups."

 

Baird said: "Since 2006, EFE has linked over 114,000 Arab youth to a job or the world of work. We are extremely pleased to be part of this effort to support Yemeni youth."

 

Studies conducted by experts indicate that the project is expected to benefit up to 4,200 people directly, in addition to indirect beneficiaries of the improvements to the urban landscape of the residential neighborhoods, and the general improvement of the social and economic conditions. 

 

Moreover, the project will benefit more than 200 unemployed youth by providing vocational training, while 1600 new job opportunities will be created during the implementation period.

 

Princess Lamia said: "Adequate housing and proper job placements are vital in economic, social, and civic development. If addressed properly, a myriad of socio-economic benefits can be reaped and business opportunities will grow."

 

Today’s agreements with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, UN-Habitat and Education for Employment demonstrates our continuous efforts towards providing long-term solutions and achieving sustainable impact in a way that supports the most vulnerable segments of society, she noted.

 

The second project, entitled: Building the Future for Yemeni Youth, will aim to provide occupational training and job opportunities for 660 youth and their families, to improve the living standards and achieve economic stability in targeted areas, she added.