| 26 Jul 2007 |
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Yemen: Civil organizations lack media attention and support
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SANA'A - "Being a woman working in a sensitive position makes me struggle to show that I am strong and smart. I need to prove for the others that I am not easily exploited," Za'afaran Al-Mahna, executive director of the Middle East Research Center for Human Development & Rights (MERCH) in Yemen stated. MERCH is a non-governmental organization dedicated to comprehensively addressing the various concerns of the disabled in the Middle East region and providing this challenged sector of society with its various rehabilitation needs. The center caters to the civil rights of the disabled through relevant research and publications, as well as by offering developmental and training services to all those in need. It functions in cooperation with the Medical and Rehabilitation Consultancy House in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and the Scientist Foundation for Press (Al Aalem), also based in Riyadh.
The main obstacle Al-Mahna faced when coordinating the second executive program for human development, rights and disabled needs was the lack of simple pamphlets summarizing the organization's goals and accomplishments. Additionally, many people claimed the existence of organizations that would provide support and training courses, however, Al-Mahna was unable to garner such assistance. Much of her failed attempts were due to her being a woman.
Al-Mahna's program aims to qualify civil organizations in four main categories: health, education, human rights and organizational as well as skills development. The first training course held was about using the media to advertise the organizations' work. It ran July 22-25.
Nashwan al-Samiri, media trainer for the associations and development course, confirmed that civil organizations are not aware of the importance of media, which can be the key to exposing the public to an organization's services, garnering monetary support and volunteers.
The MERCH program costs $37,000 and is affiliated with other organizations such as HAD (Human Aid Development Organization), SGH (Saudi and German Hospital) and YDN (Yemeni Development Net for private associations). The program will continue for a month from July 22 to August 22.
The first training course launched by MERCH is considered the core of the second executive program. It included 300 trainees in Sana'a and focused on disabled care. The program provided technical support and modifications for all establishments and institutes involved with disability issues in the region. Additionally, it aimed to implement career-oriented developmental and educational programs and activities that would provide a greater awareness of the rights of the disabled.
The second training course was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. It included 12 trainers who are national and international specialists and researchers.
Training courses are being held in four governorates: Sana'a, Dhamar, Aden and Hais city in Hudaida.
By Yemen Times Staff
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