MEPI Programs
Examples of Past and Current MEPI Programs and Supported NGOs in Yemen:
- Expanding Support for Political Reform: Implemented by the National Democratic Institute's (NDI), this project aims to increase the capacity of CSOs to inform and influence debate on key social and political issues, and also provides technical support to the Yemeni parliament. Using MEPI funds, NDI has helped organizations establish themselves as sustainable, engaged advocates for Yemeni citizens and local governance.
- MENA Media: Through the MENA Media project, the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) worked with local NGO Yemeni Parliamentarians against Corruption (YemenPAC) on a draft Access to Information Law. The completed committee report on the draft law was sent to the full Parliament and the legislation is now on the agenda awaiting final approval. IREX has also worked with the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate in reforming the current Press and Publications Law.
- Yemen Student Councils: Implemented by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), the Yemen Student Councils project has exposed over 20,000 students from more than 100 high schools in the Governorates of Sana'a, Mareb, Shabwah and Amran to the democratic principles of participation and respect for diversity and differing viewpoints. The project's goal is to promote youth leadership and community participation in schools, while exposing students to the fundamentals of democracy through classroom elections. One student council repaired a nearby road for the school's community, and another council succeeded in having sanitation facilities built for its school.
- Supporting Civic Responsibility and Private Sector Job Creation: Implemented by the Education for Employment Foundation (EFE), this project is a highly scalable and replicable model for employer-driven education and training linked to jobs. The project creates partnership foundations led by education, business, and civil society leaders that are dedicated to youth education and employment in the Middle East. In Yemen, the WorkPlace Success training and program create skilled and confident leaders capable of effectively participating in their communities and ultimately playing a role in strengthening Yemen's economic infrastructure. After graduating from the WorkPlace Success training program, trainees have been hired by premium employers in the local community.