PAD Concludes Bazaar for Refugees [Archives:2001/38/Local News]

A two-day bazaar began last Thursday by the Refuge Community Center of the Partners for Development (PAD). The bazaar has been an annual custom of PAD since 1996. Partners for Development is a Yemeni NGO based in Sana’a. It is a major implementing partner of the UNHCR. It provides assistance to refugees and to Yemeni beneficiaries through development programs such as health, education and training programs.
The bazaar covered a wide range of activities all day long, from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Activities included an art exhibition, traditional handicrafts, food from the Horn of Africa, henna painting, hair braiding, and an Ethiopian and Eritarian coffee ceremony that was presented during the day. Moreover, a children’s corner was created and offered games and traditional story-telling. The bazaar included popular evening performances from the Somali Fan Band and the Ethiopian Cultural Dress Dance Show with new acts such as the Ethiopian choir and the famous Sudanese singer, Osama.
“The bazaar’s objective is to provide an opportunity for refugees in Sana’a to earn additional income by selling their handicrafts and other goods,” Cindy Isaac told the Yemen Times, adding that it also provides information about the very diverse refugee community in Yemen.
PAD has been quite active in organizing activities and events that serve the refugee community and introduce their customs and traditions to Yemeni people. PAD is currently conducting many activities, including refugee assistance upon arriving in Yemen, and counseling services. Social counselors directly assist refugees four days a week on an open-door basis. The main role of this social assistance program is to help refugees live in a new environment by assisting with day-to-day problems. Furthermore, PAD also provides specialized training and promotes utilization of skills of refugees. PAD is looking forward to expanding its activities and working with new agencies and partners in the development sector in Yemen.

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