From Training to Entrepreneurship: Mustaqbal–II Celebrates Youth Achievement
Aden celebrated a significant step towards economic empowerment with the graduation of 200 young men and women from the self-employment track of the "Mustaqbal–II" project. The graduation ceremony was held at the Saba Palace Hall at the end of April 2025. The event was organized by the Yemen Job Placement Training Program in partnership with the Alwaleed Philanthropies, whose support played a crucial role in the success of the project.
The "Mustaqbal–II" project aims to foster self-reliance among youth in Aden and its surrounding areas by equipping them with the tools, skills, and opportunities to enter the job market through their own businesses. Over the course of several weeks, participants received specialized training in a wide range of technical fields, including electricity, solar energy, automotive electricity, graphic design, photography, hairdressing, beauty, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
The training focused not only on building professional skills but also on essential work readiness skills such as financial literacy, time management, customer service, and problem-solving. These skills helped participants build confidence, plan for their futures, and adapt to the realities of managing independent businesses.
Upon completing the training, each graduate received a tailored set of tools to start their own business, including the necessary equipment and materials. This will enable the graduates to start working immediately and offer services within their local communities. Many of them have already taken their first steps toward financial independence by launching their own small businesses.
The graduation ceremony featured inspiring words from Ms. Reem Malawi, Executive Manager for Global Initiatives at Alwaleed Philanthropies, as well as local officials, representatives from Education for Employment Yemen, and the graduates themselves. Many participants shared touching stories about how the program changed their outlook on the future and opened new doors for them, especially given the economic challenges the country is facing.
The Yemen Job Placement Training Program expressed its deep gratitude to Alwaleed Philanthropies for their steadfast support of the "Mustaqbal–II" project. Their investment in youth has had a tangible impact and created sustainable change, offering hundreds of Yemeni youths the opportunity to shape their futures through purposeful and sustainable work.
The "Mustaqbal–II" project was implemented by the Yemen Training for Employment Foundation in collaboration with Alwaleed Philanthropies. The project included two main tracks: training for employment and self-employment, targeting youth, including people with disabilities, in Aden and surrounding areas. The project aimed to promote economic inclusion, reduce unemployment, and provide young people with the tools they need to succeed in the job market or start their own businesses.
