Yemenite Global Network: Youthful spirit brings glimmer of hope [Archives:2002/39/Culture]

On September 4th 2001, a Global Youth Network was created following the International Youth Summit and the World Conference Against Racism in Durban South Africa. The network was created to coordinate and liaise between youth from around the world in an effort to initiate a solid joint program for action and dissemination of information around shared goals. This entity would also facilitate the implementation of the International Youth Declaration and Plan of Action. The Global Youth Network further breaks down into sub-regional networks representing, America’s, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Yemenite Global Network emerged as the representative of Yemen in this network.
The Asia Youth Network, amidst creating its structure from youth NGO’s to represent their countries, has invited the Yemenite Global Network of Volunteers for Development to represent Yemen. The invitation was extended in the form of attending a workshop for human development as well as a general meeting for the delegates representing 43 countries from the Asia region. The meeting was concluded with the adoption of a new name for the network, a new organizational structure and a democratically elected steering committee. Yemen, in the person of Mr. Hisham Al-Omeisy, was elected in the post of a General Coordinator for the Middle East Region (West Asia) within the newly elected Steering Committee for the Asia Youth Network, amongst 4 other coordinators for the, East Asia, South East Asia, South Central Asia, and Asia Pacific.
On another level, the Yemenite Global Network has recently hosted a Workshop for Human Development in coordination with the Asia Youth Network for Human Development. The workshop was funded mainly by the UNDP and aimed at empowering high school students by educating them on their rights and equipping them with capacity building skills. The workshop followed a general theme of volunteerism in the field of development, specifically Human Rights, as a follow up to the International Year of Volunteers. Henceforth, the YGN has enlisted several high-school volunteers nominated by their schools, Yemen Modern School, Sam International School, Al-Hussein School, Pakistani School, Queen Arwa School, and Turkish School.
The volunteers from the above schools, upon receiving the proper training, will carry out projects aimed at educating youth in their respective schools on the material and skills they have learned during the workshop.
The 2002 Workshop for Human Development has been inaugurated on the 31st of August by Dr. Waheeba Fare’e, Minister of State for Human Rights, attended by Dr. Waleed Al-Saqqaf, Yemen Times Chief Editor, Ms. Kalthoum Adam, Program Officer of the UNV Program in Yemen, Ms. Shanti Risal, Program Coordinator of the Human Rights Strengthening Program, and Mr. Khalid Saleh Al-Omeisy, YGN Official Sponsor in the name of Coral Est and Moulinex. Amongst the honorable guests were, Mr. Abdu Hussein, Political Advisor for German Embassy, Mrs. Zainab Al-Ashtal, Yemen International Bank, Mr. Ali Al-Khali, Al-Akhali Pharmaceuticals, and Mrs. Fawziah Sharyan. The work
The workshop kicked off with a good start and an awe-inspiring support given through an opening speech addressed by Dr. Waheebah Fare’e. The workshop carried on smoothly from there on for a period of 5 days, under the supervision and guidance of two principal trainers, Mr. Hisham Al-Omeisy and Mr. Issmat Al-Akhali. And within the workshop, special sessions were delivered by Ms. Kalthoum Adam on Volunteerism, Ms. Shanti Risal on Human Rights, and Dr. Waleed Al-Saqqaf on Freedom of Speech. These sessions contributed vastly to the education and training of the 22 volunteers and a special thanks is due to the above individuals for their input and exceptional role during the proceedings of the workshop.
The workshop was concluded with a closing ceremony hosted by Mr. Hisham Sharaf, Deputy Minister of the Ministry for Planning and Development. Mr. Hisham Sharaf addressed the volunteers with a speech that asserted his and the government’s full support for youth initiatives stressing the role of youth in building and strengthening developed and democratic societies. Closing words were also given by Ms. Kalthoum Adam and Ms. Shanti Risal on their support for youth efforts and elaborated on the responsibility garnered within this generation to push for a superior society, and a better future.
The ceremony was finalized by giving all the volunteers certificates of attendance and token gifts such as T-shirts by Mr. Hisham Sharaf whom endowed the event with a spirit of hope and continuation for the workshop initiatives. Gratitude was paid to him for his role in the success of the event and for his wise words and encouragements.


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