Promoting Youth Civic Engagement (PYCE)
Description of Project:
Promoting Youth Civic Engagement (الشباب تنشيط مشروع) is a two-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to engage youth in sports and recreational activities in Aden and Sanaa and three other governorates.
PYCE operates through steering committees involving community leaders as well as other local actors who will help to develop a peer network of youth and community actors. This network of influence leaders reaches out to young people and their communities offering training and encouraging sports and recreation events in community youth centers.
Objectives:
PYCE's two principal objectives are:
- to strengthen the role of community actors in positively influencing Yemeni youth, and
- to support the establishment and expansion of youth sports and recreational opportunities.
Program activities include promoting and facilitating positive relations between youth and moderate community leaders; forming governorate Steering Committees to stimulate and coordinate beneficial youth activities, and the establishment of the PYCE Peer Network; providing rapid response mini-grants for Peer Network members; renovating selected youth clubs; and supporting the establishment and expansion of youth sports and recreational programs, including training coaches and sports officials, equipment grants, and establishing sports leagues and formal competitions.
Seera Castle Visit
On January 27, the Culture and Tourism group of Access students visited Seera Castle, one of Aden’s historical landmarks. Two of the AMIDEAST staff (Salah Ibrahim, Intern, and Edward Prados, Director) who are very knowledgeable about Aden’s history, were able to join our group.
Seera Castle Visit
After their visit, the Access students determined to create a visitors’ guide to inform others of important Yemeni attractions. It will be written in both Arabic and English, and students plan to include the historical sites they visit throughout the Access Program activities.
Seera Castle Visit
The group walked up the hill to the castle and enjoyed the view of Aden from above. It was remarkable to see such rich history juxtaposed with modern conveniences like the Aden Mall.
Seera Castle Visit
Edward and Salah shared some facts about the castle with the students, including information about location and repairs of the site.
Seera Castle Visit
Upon discussing their visit, students agreed on the importance of preserving the castle and educating others about its history. One student commented, “if you don’t have a past, you won’t have a future.”
Seera Castle Visit in Aden
Qatar Orphanage Visit
Qatar Orphanage Visit
Access students were given time and space to play with the children during their visit. The students delivered candy, cake, and toys to the orphans, and played a variety of games.
Qatar Orphanage Visit
Students and residents all participated and enjoyed their time together.
