In an achievement credited to them, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Yemen), in partnership with the Ghadaq for Development, successfully implemented a series of specialized vocational trainings under the project “Improving Employment Opportunities for Women and Youth in the Value Chain” at the fishing port in the city of Aden. These trainings saw the participation of 200 beneficiaries, half of whom were youth and the other half women, achieving outstanding results that reflect the remarkable success of the project.
The training program was designed to include a range of specialized activities tailored to the needs of the labor market in the fishing sector. Male participants received training on proper fish handling, maintaining fish quality, fisheries guidance, occupational safety, boat engine maintenance, and entrepreneurship principles. Meanwhile, women were empowered with advanced skills in preparing and cooking seafood, processing fish products, and crafting decorative items and accessories from seashells, opening new avenues for economic independence.
These trainings were held at the Technical Institute for Vocational Training in Al-Mualla District, attended by representatives from UNDP, the General Authority for Fisheries, project consultants, local authorities, and heads of relevant associations. Attendees expressed their admiration for the outcomes achieved by the beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in improving the economic and social conditions of the target groups.
In this regard, a representative from the General Authority for Fisheries stated: “The success of these trainings is the result of the joint efforts of all stakeholders and represents a significant step towards enhancing the skills of beneficiaries and increasing their opportunities for sustainable employment.”
For his part, the UNDP representative affirmed that the project aims to improve the economic and social conditions of the target groups, contributing to the sustainability of the fishing sector in Aden. He added that these trainings are part of a broader strategy to empower youth and women and enhance their role in community development.
These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to improving the skills of the participants and increase their job opportunities. This success is not just an achievement for the project but a qualitative leap towards a better future for the youth and women of Aden, reflecting the strength of partnerships between local and international organizations in achieving sustainable development.