IOM Yemen: Mending Lives - Where Skill and Hope Meet

Ma’rib, Yemen 

In the dusty expanse of Ma’rib’s desert lies Al Jufainah, Yemen’s largest camp for displaced people, where 15,000 families have sought refuge from the ongoing conflict. Among them is Mansoor, along with his wife and five children, who have endured the bitterness of displacement three times before finally settling in the camp. 

Displaced people in Yemen are among the most vulnerable, having lost their assets, and as the crisis continues, many families’ coping mechanisms have been stretched thin. Nearly 31 per cent of displaced families have experienced displacement more than once. They endure unsafe living conditions, economic hardship, and limited access to basic services. 

For Mansoor and his family, the journey to Al Jufainah was long and exhausting. By the time they arrived, they were drained, both physically and emotionally. Adjusting to life in the camp posed its own set of challenges, especially with a large family to care for.

In addition to this, Mansoor faced the daunting task of providing for his family. The growing number of displaced people made it difficult to find steady work. “I used to take whatever odd jobs I could find, but it was never enough to make ends meet,” Mansoor recalls.

Tools for Change

Mansoor’s life took a turn when he discovered the carpentry and welding workshop supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at Al Jufainah. For him and many other displaced families, life in the camp wasn’t just about finding shelter – it was a daily struggle to repair and maintain the fragile structures they called home. 

The carpentry and welding workshop, established in January 2022, was designed not only to meet the overwhelming need for repairs but also to empower the community by fostering self-reliance and skills development. For Mansoor and many others, the workshop became a vital resource, equipping them with the ability to repair their own shelters and maintain communal spaces, while also providing economic opportunities to support their future livelihoods.

From repairing doors and windows to building school tables and beds, the workshop has supported over 750 households, providing essential services to families who would otherwise have little means of maintaining their shelters. Specialized items like chairs and toilet sets have been produced for people with disabilities, ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to what they need to live with dignity. 

The impact of the workshop extends beyond Al Jufainah, with services reaching other IOM-managed displacement sites in Ma’rib. More than 85 communal spaces, including schools and health clinics, have been upgraded or maintained thanks to the skilled labour coming out of the workshop.

Ali Abdullah, the workshop supervisor since its inception, plays a key role in ensuring that essential materials are delivered to those who need them most. He takes great pride in managing the storage and distribution of essential items like chairs, doors, and beds, knowing the profound impact these materials have on the lives of the recipients.  

“When people receive items from our workshop, you can see how much it means to them. They’re in such dire need, and our role is to help them restore a sense of normalcy and stability in their lives.” 

– Ali, Workshop Supervisor 

Essential Services

The workshop was designed to provide care and maintenance services for thousands of families residing in the camp. This includes repairing and maintaining shelters, as well as creating new furniture and infrastructure to improve the living conditions of displaced families. Beyond these immediate needs, the workshop also serves as a vital tool for skill development and economic empowerment. 

By offering training in carpentry, welding, electrical work, and other essential trades, the workshop has created income-generating opportunities for over 350 displaced individuals. These newly acquired skills have provided a pathway for displaced families to reduce their dependency on external aid, enabling them to rebuild their lives and strengthen their communities during and after displacement.

Naeem, like many others in Al Jufainah, found new purpose through the carpentry and welding workshop. Before joining, he and his family struggled to get by, with few opportunities to earn a stable income. The workshop not only provided him with valuable skills but also offered a way to contribute to the community.  

“Our work goes beyond just carpentry. We build everything from school desks to chairs for people with disabilities, beds, doors, and windows,” explains Naeem. “Before this workshop, we were just surviving. Now, we have skills that allow us to rebuild our lives and support our families.”

Restoring Independence

The workshop not only provides essential services but also offers displaced individuals the chance to gain new skills and regain their independence. Many participants had previously struggled to support their families after being displaced, with no reliable source of income. However, through learning trades like carpentry and welding, they have been able to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.  

“I trained as an electrician,” Mansoor shares. “Thanks to my past experience and the new training I received, I've been able to adapt and work effectively here at the workshop.” 

Tarek Al-Maholy, a Technical Assistant with IOM, explains that they repair at least five doors, windows, or closets and craft three new pieces each day, all tailored to the specific needs of the community. For him, the workshop is more than just a production site – it’s a lifeline. “The workshop does more than provide income,” Tarek said. “It gives the community a sense of purpose.”

FootnotesThe workshop in Al Jufainah is supported by the EU Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).

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