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PRESS RELEASES

USAID “Generation of Peace” Initiative Helps Youth to Resolve Civil Disputes

April 25, 2012

Dr. Charles Swagman, Technical Program Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Yemen today joined Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Muammar Al Aryani at a ceremony to mark the completion of “Generation of Peace’, a three-month youth civic engagement initiative implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Community Livelihoods Project. 

Since January, more than 1,000 at-risk and vulnerable Yemeni youth from across the political spectrum have participated, gaining the skills and understanding to enable them to resolve conflict, participate more fully in civil society, and contribute to Yemen’s future stability and growth. 
 “Youth are the hope of Yemen and are determined to help bring about positive social change,” stated Dr. Swagman. “We are committed to cultivating an environment in which young people have opportunities for productive civil engagement.”
Through interactive and participatory workshops on topics about democratic processes, civic participation, community service, and tolerance, as well as via sports tournaments, an art competition and a talent show, ‘Generation of Peace’ encouraged participating youth to collaborate, engage in dialogue, and peacefully resolve conflict. Having completed the initiative, these young people will share their new knowledge and skills with their families and communities so that together they can engage positively in civic process and participate constructively in public debate. Many have also started to volunteer in their local communities, renovating schools and removing trash from public spaces. 
Youth and Sports Minister Muammar Al Aryani joined hundreds of young people from diverse political groups and universities across Sana’a and representatives from local companies, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and officials from the Republic of Yemen Government and USAID at the event.
Today in Yemen, 70 percent of the population is under the age of 25. USAID has been funding a number of youth-focused programs, including youth councils, job internships, community service, and summer camps. 

Dr. Charles Swagman, Technical Program Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Yemen today joined Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Muammar Al Aryani at a ceremony to mark the completion of “Generation of Peace’, a three-month youth civic engagement initiative implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Community Livelihoods Project. 

Since January, more than 1,000 at-risk and vulnerable Yemeni youth from across the political spectrum have participated, gaining the skills and understanding to enable them to resolve conflict, participate more fully in civil society, and contribute to Yemen’s future stability and growth.  

“Youth are the hope of Yemen and are determined to help bring about positive social change,” stated Dr. Swagman. “We are committed to cultivating an environment in which young people have opportunities for productive civil engagement.

”Through interactive and participatory workshops on topics about democratic processes, civic participation, community service, and tolerance, as well as via sports tournaments, an art competition and a talent show, ‘Generation of Peace’ encouraged participating youth to collaborate, engage in dialogue, and peacefully resolve conflict. Having completed the initiative, these young people will share their new knowledge and skills with their families and communities so that together they can engage positively in civic process and participate constructively in public debate. Many have also started to volunteer in their local communities, renovating schools and removing trash from public spaces. 

Youth and Sports Minister Muammar Al Aryani joined hundreds of young people from diverse political groups and universities across Sana’a and representatives from local companies, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and officials from the Republic of Yemen Government and USAID at the event.

Today in Yemen, 70 percent of the population is under the age of 25. USAID has been funding a number of youth-focused programs, including youth councils, job internships, community service, and summer camps.