NYN | News
In a scene that reflects the ability of youth to create change, Yemeni engineer Nasser Alaw, together with a group of young volunteers in the capital Sana’a, launched a youth-led community initiative under the slogan “A Hand Builds.” The initiative aims to contribute to improving public services and the urban appearance of main streets, amid the challenges facing Yemeni cities.
Field Work to Restore the Streets’ Vitality
According to what New Yemen News monitored from posts by those in charge of the initiative, its activities included carrying out maintenance, rehabilitation, and painting of sidewalks, in addition to installing traffic guidance signs and filling in many potholes and random speed bumps that posed a direct danger to traffic flow and caused frequent road accidents.
Youth Bridging the Service Gap
The “A Hand Builds” initiative represents an advanced model of the role of youth initiatives in supporting community efforts, as it helps bridge part of the service gap, strengthen the spirit of responsibility and belonging, and transform young people’s energies into effective tools for construction and development, away from dependency and waiting solely for official solutions.
Promoting a Culture of Volunteering
The initiative also highlights the importance of volunteer work in improving the urban environment at the lowest possible cost, and in promoting a culture of partnership between society and the public and private sectors, positively impacting public safety and quality of life in cities.
Community Interaction and Broad Support
“A Hand Builds” has received notable community engagement, gaining wide praise from citizens and activists, in addition to support from several private-sector companies, as well as cooperation from the relevant authorities. This has helped expand the scope of the work carried out and enhance its sustainability.
A Message of Hope and Upcoming Initiatives
Those behind the initiative hope that “A Hand Builds” will serve as a catalyst for launching similar youth initiatives that contribute to improving services and reflect the positive image of Yemeni youth as key partners in construction and development, despite the many challenges facing the country.
