(Let us make what we learned a life behavior ... we protect our village from diseases by our hands)
The card (Environmental Guards), on which the words were written (Let us make what we learned a life behavior ... we protect our village from diseases by our hands)
It is the beginning of the path of Intisar Abdalbari Sharaf to protect her village, Masar Beit Al- Qans, of the epidemics that caused by the waste, as a result of implementing Emergency Cholera Outbreak Response project and in partnership with All Girls Foundation for Development, International Response Organization, Health Offices an awareness campaign to identify cholera, its causes and how to prevent it.
Manakhah District was one of the targeted districts in this project.
There is no doubt that the rural girl Intisar realized that everyone must preserve the environment, and waste is one of the main causes of environmental disturbance and pollution which range up to all environment elements.
There is no doubt that the simple girl of the rural Intisar realized that everyone must preserve the environment, and waste is one of the main causes of environmental disturbance and pollution which range up to all environment elements.
She did not realize the importance of preserving the environment silently!! , but did she did a favor of making Environmental Guards Card and distributed them to many children and women in the village, also, she explained to them how to collect waste and where to be placed then safely disposed of by burning, after that washing their hands by water and soap in the right way to prevent diseases.
Everyone responded to their village and was eager to get rid of or even reduce the horrific spread of epidemic diseases among their families. Children, women and youth all stick to the phrase they carried (Let us make what we learned a life behavior), so applying to reality made a significant impact on the cleanliness of their village and the beauty of the landscape.
(By our hands, we protect our village from diseases), If we focus on this phrase, we will find the psychological and societal motivation for the success of this campaign which made Intisar write her words in a way that created inside each one all those (the spirit of cooperation, sense of belonging, and the determination to save their village from all what may harm its people). These are expressions that at the beginning indicate the encouragement of a certain behavior and at the end the motivation for an action. It is a simple work, but its impact surprised many and and created the love of achieving in people's hearts, and created in everyone who worked in this project the spirit of giving.
Jabal Masar village, Manakha district is one of the villages that were reached Intisar’s great achievements after the Emergency Cholera Outbreak Response Project and in partnership with All Girls Foundation for Development, International Response Organization, Health Offices has implemented an awareness campaign to identify Cholera and its causes and how to prevent it.
We realized that great minds have goals but others have desires with this rural girl simplicity.
Although this girl could not control the cholera epidemic in her village, she realized that she could control her attitude to the disease.
We mentioned in the previous story, Environmental Guards Card, the role of Intisar, and the village's residents united together to collect and burn the waste. However, Intisar felt that this step lacked a major aspect and that it was necessary to think about where the villagers put their waste instead of throwing it in several places and re-assembling it.
From here Intisar began to think and found that she is a girl living in the village and cannot provide waste baskets.
Looking around here and there, finding the stones and trees and trying to meditate to find a suitable idea of what to do and finding nothing Until it is time to bring water from the remote places in that village.
Her friends came with yellow cans (10 - 20) liters, which the women used to bring water inside and suddenly, the idea of uprooting the top of the can and keeping it down to be used as a garbage basket.
Intisar began to implement her idea and distributed garbage baskets in several places in her villages Masar Beit Al- Qans and Jabal Masar and put a written paper on them (put the garbage here) in addition to distributing other things like (rice bags – sugar bags – flour bags) which called (shwal), in many corners of the villages so that collecting waste became easier and the villagers can find where to put their waste instead of throwing it in different places.
The people of the villages joined together and were impressed by this work, and everyone, every woman and every child who had waste found baskets everywhere.
It is a real achievement and meaningful work that we all are proud of.
This rural girl did not say (I cannot) or (how can I) and even did not grumble or meditate silently, but she believed that she had the strength and determination to make her always say (I can), so she made very amazing achievements by the available possibilities.
A professional Designer
Amat Al-Razzaq Al-Kazahi is one of the targeted women of the sewing course which was implemented by All Girls Foundation for Development (AGFD) in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) within promoting women’s financial inclusion project in Yemen.
Frankly the reason for joining Amat Al- Razak the sewing course is because of the difficult economic situation which is gradually becomes worse and worse. By sewing profession I can sew to the people and neighbors I can reach, so I can support my family or at least contribute to the household expenses.
Razak told us that at the beginning of joining the sewing course "I knew nothing about the basics and sewing methods and when I joined the sewing course at AGFD, i learned how to draw and how to start weaving on the Albatron also we learned the types of sleeves and skirt then learned the basic touches of making a dress and the technical touches also to have amazing and attractive dress.
AGFD has played a major role in the progress we have reached. It has provided us with sewing machines and sewing accessories and provided a trainer who gave us her experience and information in an easy and flexible way. These are in fact essential things if they were not available we will not be what we are now.
She said that the end of this course is not the end of our journey. On the contrary, this is the beginning of our start to open our own project. Finally we thank AGFD and everyone who has had a role in getting us to this advanced stage in the field of sewing.
Hard work pays off
Sawsan, who had aspirations and hopes, lived in the suburb of "Bani Harith" in the capital Sana'a. This suburb, at the time, lacked education significantly. Therefore, in 2009, the All Foundation for Development provided an educational program in managerial skills and accountancy. Sawsan was selected to attend the sessions of the program; however, Sawsan faced the challenge of transportation to the capital Sana'a where the sessions were held. She used to ride on the box of pickups. It was risky for her to go on such rides for there was a rare presence of women in these types of transport vehicles. This caused a lot of tense in the family and placed a lot of pressure on her shoulders. Although the district was famous for depriving girls of education, Sawsan could overcome these difficulties and obstacles with the help of the psychological and educational support from the Foundation.
Today, Susan hard work has paid off and she has been reaping the fruit of her persistent work. She is now working in a legal audit office in a prestigious position at the University of Science and Technology.
Qamaria Craftsman
The craftsman Yasser Mohammed Abdo Salem was working at one of the Qamaria shops in Sana'a as a worker with a small daily wage and was subjected to the most severe persecution, suffering and unfair pay. The days went on and things got worse, and the low wages he received were unable to meet the basic needs of him, his wife and children. Yasser decided to raise the daily wage by the equivalent of his work effort; these demands were the cause of his expulsion from work.
A fatal feeling that breaks the heart when you see a sincere man in his work was expelled from work as the result of asking for the most basic rights. Seeing his wife and children without any one to take care of them, facing the bitterness of need as a result he does not want to print in the memory of his sons the image of the father who failed one day.
He walks around here and there and he was told that All-Girls Foundation for Development supports the Yemeni craftsmen. Here he finds a glimmer of hope! He went to the foundation and told them what he had gone through, demanding to give him the opportunity to prove himself it is worth mentioned that he lacks the skill of making molds. The Foundation accepted his request and gave him an opportunity to market his craft in the labor market, where we gave him ready molds and asked him to make an order of up to 200 pieces. Now he is running his own business. He was honored at the opening ceremony of the "Colors of Qamaria unite us" campaign 2017. Through which the Foundation has contributed to the revival of the Yemeni heritage and contributing to raise the income of families producing economic crafts, especially Qamaria industry. The Foundation expressed its rejection of the unfair wages and oppressive treatment exercised by the former head of Yasser. And treated him with fair trade standards such as transparency and price justice, and had his own business in the artisan’s market.
Overcoming Life Changes
From Bagel District, Salam Humaid was a married lady from the marginalized group. Salam had three young ladies and three little boys. The youngest child of Salam was merely four months old. Salam couldn’t find any peace in her family environment. She rather faced from her husband severe mental and verbal violence. Not only that she was also fully responsible of supporting her family financially. What worsened the situation was that her husband asked her daily for money in order to buy ‘qat’. You not only asked but also sometimes he would force her to do so.
Salam works in making products out of palm fronds.
However, she did not have enough customers . This was when AGF for Development intervened effectively in marketing her products through coordinating with “ Productive Household Center in Bagel” foundation. Afterwards , Salam noticed remarkable progress improvement in selling her products. The Foundation’s role was played through encouraging Salam based on the principal of social responsibility and the economic empowerment craftsmen by preserving the traditional heritage of Yemen.
When Salam was enjoying her life peacefully, the war broke out deteriorating the economic conditions. Consequently, Salam did not have the market anymore. In addition, due to the economic and security deterioration and deepening of the crisis, Salam could not afford the rent money of the simple house she lived in with her family. She resorted to taking a tent in a remote area in Bagel District. Therefore, another intervention of AGF for development came together to meet the call from Salam by coordinating with the partners of the “ Center for Productive Households Center in Bagel” to provide a place of residence for Salam and her family. Also AGF provided Salam with the rent money to make Salam live with less responsibility. This comes in the belief of the institution of the importance and inevitability of the role and humanitarian duty, which is the cornerstone of the development and the work of development institutions and organizations.
Zahra , an elderly woman , was taken from the marine storms of disappointment to the shore of hope
Zahra is a 50-year-old custodian who has become frail. However, she still supports her family. In addition to that, she has a daughter who has two daughters and married to a paralyzed husband due to the terrible accident he had. Therefore, she became responsible for her daughter and two granddaughters. Pity that the crisis in Yemen made it more difficult for her.
Zahra has expressed her great suffer from the financial difficulties she was going through which led her to force her granddaughters to leave school in fear of the requirements they would need when starting school. Lightening the burden that Zahra has been carrying, the AGF fuor Development asked Zahra to bring back her seventh-grade and first grade daughters to school as the AGF will sponsor the expense needed, such as notebooks , books, bags,,,etc to. rejoin school. This was done based on the foundation's belief in building a conscious community and empowering and educating girls.
This comes within the framework of ' Return to Schools' campaign implemented by the institution under the slogan "My School Bells have rung"
She was about to give up on her ambitions
Maleekah, an IT college student , studies at a private university in Sana'a. forward step that the AGF had to take when that girl was a flame perseverance. She possessed unlimited ambtions regarding her dreams and goals. However, due to the crisis that the country is undergoing, her siblings lost their jobs which caused the elimination of the financial support she was being given for her studies. Great depression and frustration befell her whenever she thought about her college and dreams. As if she were building dreams that began to collapse without having in any hand in it. She wanted to be pushed so that she would never give up. Here is when the AGF for
Development played its main role and encouraged Maleekah as one of its targets in empowering girls and raising the number of girls in variety level education.
The Yemeni Handicraftsmen and the deterioration of economy
The Handicraft and handy products were the instruments a Yemeni artist resorted to as a kind of art that reflected their professionalism. This is an integral part of the Yemeni people's life.
Al-Muneera Rural Hospital..
From a bitter past to a better future
Al-Muneera District in Al-Hodeidah governorate experienced a forgotten, difficult and complicated situation at all levels, especially on the health level, which weighed heavily on the citizen. Al-Muneera Hospital was a pile of stones, which eroded over time due to the erosion factors that left its mark on every part of this forgotten hospital. This has lost the confidence of patients from the people of the district with its potential as well as the people of the districts and other neighboring villages.
AFG, with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), intervened and revitalized the hospital by opening and rehabilitating the reproductive health center, which provides services that were not provided by the government, according to the district's beneficiaries.
The Foundation has worked to provide all reproductive health services from family planning services and prenatal even obstetric operations and emergencies are free for all beneficiaries, through the rehabilitation and maintenance of the hospital and the provision of all medical supplies and equipment and medical and technical staff qualified to ensure that women get all these services In the closest place, the easiest and safest way.
Numerous cases recorded by the Center after its opening reach in many days up to fifty cases, which created a permanent state of movement to the hospital from more than four other districts adjacent to Al-Muneera (Al-Zaidia, Al-Duha, Al-Qannas and Al-Maqlaf) as the Center operates around the clock to receive and handle all cases.
Um Jihad, a native of Al-Muneera district, who we met her on the morning of her birth, says that her husband at midnight helped her on a motorcycle - because he did not have enough money to rent a car to take her to the hospital - and as soon as she arrived at the hospital she received the necessary health intervention and was transferred to the Department of Obstetrics and was born at dawn with ease, smoothness and free. Her husband also confirmed that after his eyes were filled with tears of joy - especially since the birth of his eldest child was in another hospital and cost him huge amounts of debt that he could not pay until recently.
With the country's difficult economic and political conditions that have caused more misery, poverty and disease, there is an urgent need for service facilities to alleviate these tough conditions for citizens. To this end, All Girls Foundation (AGF) in partnership with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) has worked to rehabilitate the Reproductive Health Center at Al Munirah Rural Hospital by renovating it, providing it with the necessary medical equipment and supplies, and providing qualified medical staff to operate it perfectly. According to Um Jihad, one of thousands of women who have benefited from free medical services, the reproductive health center has made a great impact on her health and the health of the communities around the center. She also stated that the center had significantly reduced the burden of medical examination and medicine, which enabled her to save additional money that she could spend on other needs of her family.
Small Businesses Ensure a Decent Life for IDPs
Before the war, Fatima, her father, mother, and seven siblings lived a peaceful and stable life in their house and had their source to generate their income: a seasoning shop that was well-known to everyone in Meedy City.
However, when the war came five years ago, they resorted to moving out of Meedy City to Al-Zaidiah City, their whole life was devastated, and the whole family lived the tragedy of displacement and poverty. In addition, they became unable to medicate their sick father who had a traffic accident two months after displacement. It was the accident that left the father with a life-disability and made the family lose their breadwinner.
In Al-Zaidiah, they lived in a straw hut in a yard of a house of the locals until finding a better place to live in; however, the straw hut never saved them or their belongings when the rain came; they all get wet.
Luckily, Fatima was recognized by AGF’s field team as a beneficiary of cash assistance to start livelihood activities within a shelter project that was managed by AGF and funded by YHF. The project bought a sewing machine for Fatima who worked hard to make dresses and deliver them on time. Fatima said:” I hope to develop my work and expand it to provide some displaced girls with jobs help them to feed their families as I am doing.”
Reproductive Health Center in Al-Munirah Rural Hospital ... An Enduring Success Story
The success story of the Reproductive Health Center at Al Munira Rural Hospital is a great humanitarian mission. The center started with limited resources and faced great challenges. AGF started the project by providing the center with a gynecologist and four midwives who would provide simple reproductive health services to women. In less than two months, AGF has managed to superbly develop the center. New medical equipment and supplies and high-quality medical care have been introduced to the center. Thus, the people have begun targeting the center from several other areas inside and outside Hodeidah Governorate. Currently, the center run by a staff consisted of consisting of two gynecologists, midwives, pharmacists, nurses, and administrators.
Beneficiaries of the integrated reproductive health services can reach more than 12000 per month. The services include Normal delivery, Caesarian sections, Critical Care, ANC, PNC, Family Planning, Pregnancy Care, Vaccination, Health Education, Referrals, and free medicine from the centers’ pharmacy. The popularity of the center is rising in a rapid manner to the extent that Daily checkups can climb up to more than 100 cases per day. This what forces the project management to admit beneficiaries based on priority standards and capacity limitations; however, AGF hopes to expand the project in the coming days.
Giving is the master key to success!
Fatima Hazazi, a teenager of 18 years old girl from Bani Qais district, Hajjah governorate. She is the eldest daughter of Hazazi family which has 10 members. Her father works in construction, but he became jobless due to the prolonged conflict in the country resulting in deteriorating his family life conditions.
Fatima was one of 20 women who were targeted by GPFNS through the basketry development intervention implemented by All Girls Foundation for Development.
Fatima was the youngest, but most intelligent, and most accomplished trainee, "She grasps the point quickly. She was even helping me in training other women. She was shining and gave everyone around her hope" Fatima's trainer stated.
Fatima knows exactly that life sublimity lies in as much you give, not as much you take. After training completion, she voluntarily took the responsibility of training five of the friends, including the daughter of school's guard in which the training was organized, Halima. " Many of my friends and neighbors as Halima were eager to participate in the training, but only 20 women were targeted. I helped 5 of my friends to learn preparing the fronds, weaving and coloring. They used to come to my house afternoon. I am happy that I made a change in my neighborhood. They are now able to produce their own basketry products" Fatima stated
One week after the end of the training, Fatima started her business in basketry. She is now producing 20 pieces per month, 15 pieces to be sold in the market by her father and about 5 pieces to be sold in the village. " I gain about 10.000 YR per month, sometimes more, sometimes less. Fatima said. Although this amount is not a lot, it made a difference for Fatima family in the current situation where her father become jobless " This amount helps my father in providing the required food for our family. My father became older and has no income, there is no works nowadays" Fatima added.
Furthermore, Fatima is now the focal point for all target women in Roba' Aboni sub-district. She provides them with all necessary consultation and help to improve the quality of their products "Even some of those who were trained, come to me to help them in doing the final touch and installing the handle for their produced basket. This helps them to sell their products with a good price. I feel sometimes overloaded when they come to me, but what can I do, I cannot reject them!" Fatima stated.
Fatima also participated effectively in the event organized by GIZ office in Sana'a on the occasion of Women World Day. She was able to promote for her own and her colleagues' products and to sell a significant number (around 5 pieces) of such products.
How beautiful is the spirit of that girl full of love and passion of learning and helping the others!
The Simple Worker Who Became a Successful Master Craftsman
Yasser was a simple worker at one of the Qamaria shops in Sana'a and was subject to ill-treatment and unfair pay. The days went by and things got worse, and the low wage he used to receive was unable to meet the basic needs of his family. Therefore, Yasser asked to raise his daily wage to a level that would be equivalent to his effort spent at work. Sadly, this was sufficient reason for the shop owner to dismiss Yasser from work immediately.
Yasser’s heart broke in half when seeing himself unable to provide basic life needs for his wife and children. It was the painful image of the helpless father that left unpleasant memories for his children. The memories that he worked hard all the past years to prevent them from happening, but they happened.
Despite the tragedy, there is always a glimmer of hope! Yasser heard that All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF) had a project to support craftsmen. After telling AGF what he had gone through, he got accepted to be one of the project beneficiaries by utilizing his skill to enter the labor market, and he was given ready samples of qamariat to copy them and prepare an order to 200 pieces. Thus, Yasser was eventually able to gain his own income from his own shop.
Yasser was honored at the opening ceremony of the campaign called "The Colors of the Qamariat Unite Us", which was launched by AGF in 2017, which was dedicated to reviving Yemeni handicrafts and increasing the income of families making such products, especially Qamariyat. AGF expressed at the ceremony its rejection of all kinds of abuse that the craftsmen are subjected to by the owners of the workshops. AGF also emphasized that workers had to be treated based on fair criteria such as transparency and adequate wages.
YES Economic Empowerment Program
Sahar, one of the women benefiting from the YES Economic Empowerment Program, was able to gain a job opportunity and develop her skills.
Sahar has lived through years of displacement and crises, and she is the sole breadwinner for her family of five.
Sahar joined the economic empowerment program at the #AGF All Girls Foundation for Development and trained in the field of culinary arts and grape leaves manufacturing. She was able to improve her livelihood and provide income for her family through this opportunity. Despite the challenges she faced, Sahar succeeded in achieving her success, transforming her life for the better, and providing a decent life for her and her family.
#AGF
#YES
#Success_Story
AGF-implemented Water Projects: From Sustainability to Growth
In 2017, the diesel-powered water project in Mahal Rahmah village, in Az-Zaydiyah District in Hudaydah Governorate, was barely able to supply water to nearly 1,000 local residents in three neighboring villages (Mahal Rahmah, Deir Al-Mahdali and Mahal Kalfood) in the district, let alone have capacity for the large influx of IDPs uprooted by the raging conflict at the time.
But after All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF) intervened back then to rehabilitate the Mahal Rahmah water project and build the capacity of the local management committee, with funds from the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), the host and displaced people could easily access water while the management committee could save the nominal subscription fees over the years to fund other water projects in Deir Al-Mahdali and Mahal Kalfood, as well as Mahal Rahmah itself.
AGF’s rehabilitation activities for the Mahal Rahma water project included the following:
• Providing the water project with a solar-powered pumping unit, including all the necessary components such as pipes which had been added for the purpose of expanding the network in the area to cover all houses in places of high density in the local communities and those houses and IDPs collective sites at the outskirts of the targeted area.
• Implementing of 20 water points in suitable places that guarantee easy and fair distribution of water to IDPs.
Now, seven years after AGF has intervened in the area, each of these three villages has its own water project. The AGF’s intervention in 2017 came as part of a “life-saving integrated intervention services” project, which included WASH, Shelter, Health and Protection services. The project’s total beneficiaries amounted to 55,507 host and displaced people in Az-Zaydiyah District.
It is noteworthy that AGF has also implemented a WASH project in the same district of AzZaydiyah and the same year. This project, which was entitled “WASH and Protection”, was nominated in 2023 for the Energy Globe Award– ‘today’s most prestigious environmental award, given annually to projects saving our environment by personal action, sustainable projects or campaigns for raising awareness in sustainability.’
All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF) is an award-winning and woman-led organization, which was established in the city of Sana'a, the capital of Yemen in 2003. It carries a development vision and a human dimension that change is the people and the people are the change! This vision appears in a diverse series of integrated projects implemented in the past two decade. AGF has positively affected the lives of thousands of young people and women, by implementing educational, economic, empowerment and reproductive health programs and providing humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of vulnerable Yemenis in need, especially women and girls.
Success Story: From the Burden of Water Scarcity to Sustainable Services in Deir Abdurabah
Access to clean water was once a threatened right in Deir Abdulrabah village, Al-Hodeidah Governorate. To address this humanitarian and community challenge, the Basic Water and Sanitation Services Project was launched, funded by the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF) and implemented effectively on the ground by the All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF).
Before the project’s intervention, residents of Deir Abdulrabah suffered from an insufficient water distribution system. Water supply was so scarce that it became a major source of stress and daily hardship.
Beneficiary Ali Mohammed recalls the difficulty:
“Before this project, water used to reach us only every third day, and the supply lasted less than an hour. Our lives were tied to this difficult schedule, which became a real burden for us, affecting our health and hygiene significantly.”
This severe shortage of a basic service led to a decline in living conditions and consumed people’s time and energy waiting for water instead of focusing on education and productivity.
The All Girls Foundation for Development focused on providing sustainable solutions for both the host community and internally displaced persons to ensure continuous and equitable access to water for all. This was achieved through:
• Installing solar-powered water pumps connected to networks, ensuring continuous flow without reliance on expensive fuel;
• Constructing elevated reinforced concrete water tanks to increase capacity;
• Establishing pumping and control rooms;
• Creating new water points;
• Setting up emergency latrines in community clusters, with dedicated units for persons with disabilities;
• Implementing large-scale solid waste removal campaigns to promote a healthier environment.
The project had a strong and lasting impact. The community transitioned from stress and scarcity to stability and self-sufficiency.
Beneficiary Ali Mohammed summarizes this remarkable transformation in one sentence:
“After this project implemented by the All Girls Foundation, we now have water in our homes 24 hours a day.”
This outcome signifies more than improved water supply—it represents the restoration of community dignity. People have been freed from the burden of fetching and waiting for water, improving public health and enabling them to regain control over their daily lives.
With the support of YHF, the All Girls Foundation for Development successfully built a sustainable service system that brought life back to Deir Abdurabah village.
A Story of Hope from “Al-Mahjam”: When Life Returned to the Thirsty Village – Yemen – Al-Hudaydah Governorate
Project Implementer: All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF)
Funding: Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF)
The Water Struggle: A Daily Journey of Pain
Before the intervention of the All Girls Foundation for Development, the name of Al-Mahjam village in Al-Meghlaf District, Al-Hudaydah Governorate, meant nothing but “the struggle for a drop of water.” For the residents, obtaining water was an exhausting and dangerous task that consumed their daily lives.
The crisis was twofold: the scarcity of diesel needed to operate water pumps, and the rough terrain that turned water collection into a physically punishing ordeal. Every day, children, women, and men walked long distances or relied on donkeys to transport water containers.
Yahya Ahmed, the village elder, recalls:
“Children falling from donkeys while fetching water was frequent, resulting in serious injuries.”
The impact was not limited to drinking water or sanitation; local farms also stopped operating because they could not run irrigation pumps due to the lack of diesel. This worsened the suffering and affected the village’s food security.
With funding from the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), the All Girls Foundation launched the “Comprehensive Water and Sanitation Response” project in Al-Meghlaf District. This was not a temporary solution but a fundamental shift toward sustainability. Six solar-powered water pumps were installed to ensure a continuous water supply, overcoming the chronic diesel shortage. Large winged concrete water towers were built, followed by the installation of an internal pipeline network delivering water directly to every household in the village.
Today, the village has been transformed, and the once painful and risky journey for water has been reduced to simply turning on a tap.
Yahya Ahmed, the elder of Al-Mahjam village, testifies to this transformation:
“Now we are truly blessed. Water has reached our homes and is safe to drink. Our children are safer, and we no longer carry water over long distances.”
The project did more than end the hardships of water collection; it generated significant humanitarian and economic impacts:
• Health and Safety: Waterborne diseases declined, and children’s safety improved noticeably.
• Dignity and Time: Women regained time previously spent fetching water, allowing them to engage in activities that support family income and dignity.
• Return to School: Girls returned to their classrooms, no longer burdened with daily long trips to collect water for their families.
• Food Security: Local farms resumed operations after being enabled to run their pumps, supporting livelihoods and strengthening food security in the village.
This success story reflects the power of coordinated humanitarian action, where the All Girls Foundation’s intervention went beyond providing water to restore hope, improve quality of life, and uphold the dignity of families.
Umm Ali’s Story: The Day Dignity Blossomed in “Deir Al-Bahri
Umm Ali, Deir Al-Bahri, Al-Zaidiyah District, Al-Hudaydah Governorate
Project Implementer: All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF)
Funding: Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF)
The Struggle for Water – A Price Paid by Women and Children
Life in Deir Al-Bahri village, Al-Zaidiyah District, Al-Hudaydah Governorate, once revolved around a single daily task: finding water. Before the intervention of the All Girls Foundation for Development, this task weighed heavily on women and children in particular, depriving them of the time and energy needed for a dignified life.
The village faced a severe crisis caused by the lack of diesel to operate water pumps, in addition to the difficult terrain that turned water collection into a dangerous journey. Every day, women and children spent long hours walking—often accompanied by donkeys—to carry heavy water containers.
Umm Ali recalls that period:
“Our entire day was lost in fetching water. We lived in constant fear for our children’s safety from falling and getting injured. We had no time to care for our homes or do any other work.”
The suffering grew to include the economic aspect as well, as local farms stopped operating due to the lack of fuel for pumps. This increased the pressure on families and worsened the village’s food security situation.
A Decisive Intervention: A Sustainable Achievement in Al-Zaidiyah
With funding from the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), the All Girls Foundation launched the “Basic WASH services for displaced persons' communities" project. The intervention was designed to create a sustainable and long-term solution by installing solar-powered water pumps to ensure a continuous water supply—completely overcoming dependence on diesel—along with the construction of large concrete water towers. This was followed by the installation of an internal pipeline network to deliver water directly to every household in the village.
Today, Umm Ali and the other women of Deir Al-Bahri are free from the burden of carrying water. Water now flows simply by turning on a tap inside their homes.
Umm Ali, a beneficiary from Deir Al-Bahri, testifies to this transformation, saying:
“Now we feel blessed and dignified. Water is available and safe to drink inside our homes. My children are safe from danger, and I have my time back. I no longer carry water over long distances—thank God.”
A Profound Impact on Family Life
Umm Ali’s story reflects the deep humanitarian impact of the All Girls Foundation’s intervention, supported by YHF—where the provision of water became a restoration of dignity and a comprehensive improvement in quality of life.
Successful Medical Referral and Protecting the Lives of Mother and Child
Amina Moazzen, a 17-year-old girl, arrived at the Reproductive Health Department at Al Munira Rural Hospital while in her ninth month of pregnancy, experiencing labor for two consecutive days and suffering from severe anemia due to early pregnancy, which placed her health in a critical condition.
Amina reported that she had not received any healthcare during her pregnancy due to the lack of health services in the area. Given the severity of her condition, an urgent referral was made to Al Thawra General Hospital in Al Hudaydah to ensure the safety of both mother and child, with emergency primary care provided during transfer, including blood transfusion, necessary medical tests, and continuous monitoring of her condition.
Thanks to the rapid response of the medical team and effective coordination among all parties, Amina successfully reached the designated hospital and delivered safely, with ongoing medical support and necessary medications, allowing both mother and child to begin a gradual recovery process.
Amina’s story highlights the importance of the Integrated Reproductive Health Services Project, implemented by All Girls Foundation for Development with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in ensuring successful medical referrals and protecting the lives of mothers and children, even in critical and high-risk cases.
A Distant Dream Fulfilled!
Leila (30 years old) woke up every day carrying the pain of six years of marriage without fulfilling her dream of motherhood. Sleepless nights no longer eased her fatigue, and her tear-filled eyes carried the longing for the child she had been waiting for. Life in Al-Munira District, Al-Hodeidah Governorate, was extremely difficult, amid ongoing crises and extreme poverty, making access to treatment nearly impossible.
Despite her feelings of loneliness and the fear of others’ questions and glances, Leila never lost hope. She sold all her gold in an attempt to seek treatment and traveled to Al-Hodeidah in search of an opportunity to fulfill her dream, but she returned disappointed after exhausting all her resources.
With continued faith in God, the Integrated Reproductive Health Services project, implemented by All Girls Foundation and funded by UNFPA at Al-Munira Rural Hospital, offered her the chance to monitor her pregnancy for free with a specialized doctor, including all services, examinations, and medications for six months. During this period, Leila felt safe and supported, and her visits to the doctor became a source of comfort and joy amid the daily hardships.
Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived: her pregnancy test was positive! Tears of joy filled her eyes, and she felt as if the whole universe was celebrating with her. With continuous follow-up throughout her pregnancy, Leila was blessed with a healthy baby girl, beginning a new chapter of life filled with happiness and hope.
Continuous Success in Saving Mothers and Newborns
Despite high poverty rates in Al-Hodeidah Governorate, the Integrated Reproductive Health Services project at Al-Munira Rural Hospital, implemented by All Girls Foundation (AGF) and funded by UNFPA, continues to provide free services and facilitate women’s access to healthcare.
Abbasa Bahari, a woman in her thirties and mother of three daughters aged 6 months to 5 years, lives with her family in Al-Munira District. She faced pressure from her husband to continue having children until a male child was born, and he refused any contraception.
During her fourth pregnancy, Abbasa experienced irregular vaginal bleeding from the second month, despite taking medications regularly, which required specialized care, especially as her youngest child still needed attention. She followed her pregnancy with a specialized doctor at Al-Munira Rural Hospital, where All Girls Foundation implements the Integrated Reproductive Health Services project, funded by UNFPA.
Her attachment to the fetus grew when she learned it was a boy, hoping her husband would honor his promise to allow her a break after delivery. Dr. states: "During the pregnancy, the amniotic fluid decreased and bleeding continued frequently. The mother’s condition was critical. We hospitalized her multiple times, administered necessary medications, and conducted weekly fetal monitoring over 12 visits."
In July 2020, the child was successfully delivered. More than a month later, Abbasa visited the hospital in good health with her baby and requested a contraceptive method after medical consultation and her husband’s approval.
Continuing the Journey of Safe Births
In a country that records one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the Arab region — a tragic outcome of the deteriorating health system, especially in rural areas — inspiring stories emerge that restore hope and give new meaning to life.
Najla Balghaith, 35 years old, works with her husband in the education sector in Al-Munira district of Al-Hodeidah governorate. However, the suspension of salaries since the beginning of the conflict has severely affected their living conditions. Najla was among the beneficiaries of the Integrated Reproductive Health Services Project, implemented by All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF) at Al-Munira Rural Hospital with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Through this project, she received free medical services that ultimately saved her life and the life of her baby.
Najla had suffered from eight previous miscarriages and recurrent bleeding during every pregnancy. She recalls:
“Despite my difficult circumstances, I used to visit the doctor during the early months of each pregnancy. But the bleeding would continue, and I would always end up losing the baby — even though all the tests showed no underlying health issues.”
The doctor supervising her case explained:
“When Najla came to Al-Munira Rural Hospital, she was in the second month of her ninth pregnancy, experiencing severe anxiety and fear of another miscarriage. After conducting several tests, we discovered small blood clots that had caused her previous miscarriages. We prescribed the necessary medication and closely monitored her condition through 12 successful follow-up visits.”
After nine months of careful monitoring and continuous care, Najla delivered a healthy, full-term baby through a safe cesarean section. Her long journey of pain and loss finally ended in a moment of pure joy — the birth of new hope that embodies the true meaning of patience and restores life’s warm heartbeat once again.
Saving Mothers’ Lives and Reducing Mortality in Al-Hodeidah
In Al-Munira District, Al-Hodeidah Governorate, Quraisha Hadi, a 38-year-old woman, arrived at the Reproductive Health Department of Al-Munira Rural Hospital in an extremely critical condition following a uterine rupture that led to a tear in the bladder.
The emergency surgery performed on her was successful, and the patient gradually began to recover until her condition fully stabilized, thanks to the medical team’s skill and high professionalism in handling critical cases and coordinating efforts among all involved parties.
Quraisha’s story was not merely the saving of one life, but a living testament to the importance of the Integrated Reproductive Health Services Project, implemented by All Girls Foundation for Development with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at Al-Munira Rural Hospital, in protecting mothers’ lives and providing women with the opportunity to enjoy safe and stable health.
Achieving the Dream of Motherhood Against All Odds
Haziya Ghubair, a 32-year-old woman, suffered for 8 years from infections and primary infertility, making her dream of motherhood seem distant.
She was one of the beneficiaries of the Integrated Reproductive Health Services Project, implemented by All Girls Foundation for Development with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at Al-Munira Rural Hospital. The project provided her with comprehensive free services, including continuous medical check-ups and the necessary medications to treat her condition.
Thanks to precise medical care and ongoing support, Haziya was able to conceive and gave birth to her baby, and she and her child are now enjoying good health.
Al-Fath Al-Hajari School: From Collapse to Revival with AGF
Founded in 2002, Al-Fath Al-Hajari School once served as a beacon of learning for ten villages. But neglect, halted expansion, overcrowding from displaced families, and years of unpaid salaries pushed it to the brink of collapse. Dropouts and failure rates soared.
AGF stepped in with decisive action: teacher incentives, a new 300m fence, two additional classrooms, rehabilitation of 11 more, a new school gate, and emergency education training for staff. These interventions revived the school. Dropouts declined, success rates increased, and 50 students ranked among the top achievers. Today, the school stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for hundreds of children.
A Lasting Impact... Years Later
In 2021, 14 October School in Al-Sulaymaniyah stood on the brink of collapse. Many families, particularly those with girls, had been forced to keep their children at home due to 19 damaged classrooms, hazardous and deteriorating sanitation facilities, and a lack of essential teaching supplies... One teacher recalls that period as “the moment we feared the school would disappear entirely.”
Today, new video footage from the school tells a very different story—one of revival, dignity, and renewed hope. Standing inside one of the rehabilitated classrooms, a teacher proudly says:
“I am still using the whiteboard markers AGF gave me in 2021… They remind me every day that someone believed in this school.”
This transformation was no coincidence. During the intervention, All Girls Foundation for Development (AGF), with support from Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF), carried out a comprehensive rehabilitation process that included fully restoring 19 classrooms, constructing two new gender-sensitive latrines, and providing a new water tank equipped with a pumping system to ensure a reliable and safe water supply. Together, these improvements enhanced safety and dignity, rebuilt confidence in the school setting, and directly boosted attendance, especially among girls who had previously stayed at home because there were insufficient restrooms.
The school principal describes the impact with clear conviction:
This intervention saved our school. Enrollment increased, and the number of girls is now higher than ever. Without this support, we would have lost an entire generation here.”
Today, Higher student attendance, inspired professors, and a respectable, safe learning environment have all contributed to the school's success and the return of girls to their classrooms. The impact is still significant years after it was implemented, demonstrating how a well-thought-out humanitarian intervention can change the future of an entire community and maintain girls' access to education with dignity and confidence.
Fatima.. An Ageless Spirit and a Midwife Making a Difference in the Rugged Mountains of Raymah
In a remote village perched atop the rugged mountains of Kusmah District, Raymah Governorate in western Yemen — where access to healthcare is often a race against time — Fatima Mohammed, a midwife in her fifties, stood once without hope in the face of her humanitarian mission: safeguarding mothers during critical moments of childbirth. Yet her heart was as vast as the surrounding mountains, driven by an unwavering passion to save lives.
For over 20 years, Fatima practiced midwifery armed with only the basic knowledge she had learned decades ago, believing that her experience and what she knew was all there was to midwifery—until she was enrolled in a refresher training for midwives in Raymah, through the Emergency Obstetric Care Project by AGF in Partnership with UNFPA, which offered her a new professional beginning.
Fatima shares her experience:
"I was working with old knowledge until this project brought me back to life. I learned how to recognize risks I had never known before, and I realized that my mission is much greater than just a profession."
Today, after receiving comprehensive training, capacity building, and financial incentives, Fatima has become one of the most distinguished midwives in her area. Beyond ensuring safe deliveries for women in her community, she has taken on the role of an educator, knocking on doors, offering advice, raising awareness, warning of risks, and filling the hearts of mothers with hope through her comforting words.
Despite her age, Fatima now says with confidence and a bright smile:
"The training made me feel as if I’m 15 again. I have the energy to learn, to teach, and to do everything I can to protect the mothers in my community."
Fatima’s story is not just one of hope born out of hardship; it is a tale of an ageless spirit that refuses to surrender, and of a project that not only transformed her life but continues to uplift many others in her humble village.
Saada… A Midwife Rebuilding Herself to Save Rural Mothers in Bur’a, Western Yemen
In a remote area where rugged terrain and distant health facilities turn the search for medical care into a risk of its own — stands Saada, a midwife who has become a pillar of safety for women in her community in Al-Maghrabah Village, Bur’a District of Al-Hodeidah Governorate.
For many years, Saada practiced midwifery, assisting women through home births with experience she had gained over time. Yet she was always aware that her knowledge had limits, especially when facing complications during delivery — moments where her hands were tied, and hope was beyond her reach.
That reality changed completely when Saada joined the Emergency Obstetric Care Project by AGF in partnership with UNFPA. Through intensive training at Al-Sabeen Hospital for Maternity and Childhood in Sana’a, she gained advanced knowledge and professional skills to manage high-risk deliveries and save the lives of mothers and newborns during critical moments.
Reflecting on her journey, Saada says:
“Before the training, I had to refer any serious case outside the area because I didn’t know how to manage complications. Today, I’m able to take life-saving actions before it’s too late—for both the mother and her baby”
Saada has grown from a traditional midwife into one of her community’s most trusted healthcare providers. Her skills and quick response in emergencies have reduced the need for costly transfers, easing the burden on families with limited means.
For Saada, serving at the Al-Maghrabah health center is more than a job—it’s a life mission. Aware of the struggles local families face, she’s grateful for the project’s financial support, which helps her stay resilient and devoted to caring for every mother in need.
Saada’s story is not merely about a midwife learning new skills; it is a deeply human journey of a heart that became part of every safe birth — and of a woman who has grown into a symbol of trust and hope for her entire community.
From Midwife to Lifesaver: Amriyah’s Story of Strength and Skill
In the remote mountains of Al-Salafiyah District, Raymah Governorate, where reaching healthcare can be a life-threatening journey, midwife Amriyah stands as a lifeline for mothers in her community. At Al-Masjidayn Hospital, she carries the weighty responsibility of guiding women through their most vulnerable moments.
For years, Amriyah relied on basic, traditional knowledge. She longed to do more than deliver babies—she wanted to save lives during emergencies. That opportunity came through the Emergency Obstetric Care Project by AGF in partnership with UNFPA, which revived services at the hospital and gave her specialized training in handling obstetric complications.
"All I needed was for someone to light the way with knowledge. Today, I am proud to say I have saved mothers who were at the edge of danger — and that feeling alone drives me to learn even more."
Now a trusted health advocate, Amriyah continues to grow her skills and provide critical care that has reduced the need for long, risky, and costly transfers to distant hospitals—lifting a burden off local families.
"The real reward comes from the heavens, for saving a life is priceless. I now understand that my mission is bigger, clearer, and more meaningful than ever before."
Her journey is a powerful example of how targeted support and training can transform healthcare workers into lifesavers—and communities into safer, stronger places for women to give birth.
Sawsan... A Heart Overflowing with Dedication and a Midwife Who Weaves Hope into the Lives of Mothers in Raymah
A success story made possible by the (AGF), in partnership with the Funding (UNFPA).
At Al-Thulaya General Hospital, located in Al-Jabin district—the heart of Raymah Governorate—midwife Sawsan stands as a beacon of compassion and commitment. Every day, she carries the weight of her humanitarian mission: safeguarding mothers and offering them a safe space for care, one delivery at a time.
One unforgettable day, Sawsan’s skills and dedication became a lifeline for a mother in distress. During a complicated delivery of twins, the mother faced life-threatening complications. Yet, thanks to Sawsan’s professional knowledge, her sharp instincts, and the advanced training she had received through the Emergency Obstetric Care Project—implemented by AGF in partnership with UNFPA—she and the attending doctor acted swiftly and decisively, saving both the mother and her newborn daughters.
As a heartfelt token of gratitude, the family named one of the twin girls "Sawsan", in honor of the midwife whose dedication had rewritten their fate.
But Sawsan’s mission doesn’t stop in the delivery room. She devotes herself to raising awareness among the women who visit the hospital, listening to their needs, offering tailored advice, and ensuring every mother receives the care she deserves—care that respects their social circumstances and their right to safe motherhood.
With pride, Sawsan shares:
"The most valuable gift this project gave me was knowledge and training, which empowered me and built my confidence to make the right decisions during critical moments to protect mothers."
She adds with deep gratitude:
"I am thankful to the All Girls Foundation for Development and UNFPA for giving me the tools to grow, both personally and professionally. Because of this project, my work has deeper meaning—it is no longer just about assistance, but about saving lives and creating new beginnings."
Sawsan’s story is not just about one mother saved; it is about a woman who chose to be the safe harbor for every mother in need, and a gentle hand placing hope into the arms of countless families.
Noor... From a Distant Dream to a Thriving Reality: When Willpower Blooms in a Greenhouse
It never crossed Noor’s mind—at over fifty years of age—that she would one day own a business of her own, one that would provide her with a steady income and a sense of independence and confidence. Yet today, she stands amid her thriving cucumber crop, watching it grow with pride and gratitude, smiling as she says, “I never thought I’d be a businesswoman, but today, I’m living that dream.”
Noor is one of 25 women who received a comprehensive economic empowerment kit through AGF’s Health and Protection Project in partnership with UNFPA. This kit was more than just agricultural tools—it was the key to a new beginning and a life-changing experience.
Despite her age, Noor displayed remarkable energy and enthusiasm throughout the greenhouse farming training. After receiving her greenhouse, she quickly planted her first crop: cucumbers. She cared for them as if they were the seeds of her own dreams. And with the first harvest came a rare moment of fulfillment—as though she were reaping the fruits of a lifetime of patience and determination.
Today, Noor sees herself through new eyes: as a capable, productive, and independent woman. Her heart is filled with deep gratitude for everyone who believed in her and played a part in empowering her.