For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

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Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

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SILVER SPRING, Md. - In Yemen, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is working with urban refugees to help them further assimilate in Yemeni society and improve their overall livelihood through the Support for Urban Refugees project (SUR).

This multi-faceted project is providing approximately 2,000 refugees with training in marketable skills, thereby increasing individual levels of self-reliance, which translates to increased opportunities for employment and enhanced contributions within their community.

Funded by the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), and complimentary funding from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), ADRA is offering refugees in Yemen's capital city Sana'a vocational training to improve economic conditions for refugees and at-risk Yemeni's. Training offered includes beautician skills, mobile repairs, and heavy equipment driving, in addition to long-term medical and computer training sessions, business management training, interpersonal skill development, and leadership workshops.

As the prolonged drought situation in the Horn of Africa has persisted, Yemen has seen an influx of refugees crossing the boarder, most notably from Somalia. According to the UNHCR country profile on Yemen, an estimated 170,000 refugees now reside in the country, with approximately 80 percent living in rural settings. With the ongoing political conflict evolving throughout the country, and considering Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, the Yemeni government has experienced increasing difficulties to ensure refugees are given the opportunity to live quality lives in the new country.

Through the Agency's Safia Community Development Center (SCDC), refugees and local Yemeni's now have a safe place where they can participate in cultural and sporting activities, discuss upcoming projects, attend training sessions and courses, and take advantage of the employment center where they can attend CV writing workshops.

Upon graduating from ADRA's classes, students are selected to receive apprenticeship and employment opportunities based on skills learned and motivation displayed throughout the training. To date, the SUR team has assisted 10 graduates in setting-up and launching businesses, including a sewing center, beauty salon, snack shop, mobile repair shop, and two community-based schools. These vocational classes have gained popularity in attendance, and have motivated attendees to work hard as they often lead to enhanced employment opportunities.

This project's value is approximately $500,000 and will continue through December 31, 2011.

ADRA has been active in Yemen since 1995, basing its programs on the needs of the local people. Focusing on primary health care, economic development, education and food security, ADRA Yemen's main target groups are women, children and the poor, as well as people with special needs and refugees.

To learn how to support ADRA's work in Yemen, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org.

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ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International