In the coastal Al-Ruwais area of Al-Mukha District, Taiz Governorate, Yemen, 20-year-old Akram Zaid embodies resilience and ambition. As a fisherman who supports his family of five, Akram once relied solely on the sea for survival, earning meager daily wages by working for others. The war and economic collapse in Yemen left his family struggling to make ends meet. However, with determination and timely support, Akram transformed his life from one of hardship to one of hope and opportunity.
Before the crisis, Akram’s family lived modestly, surviving on a daily income of 2,000 to 3,000 Yemeni Rials. Despite their struggles, Akram worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones. “I used to earn just enough to get by, but now, thanks to the support we received, our lives have changed, and my daily income has increased,” Akram shares.
The war exacerbated their challenges, leaving Akram’s family desperate for tools to work independently at sea. “We needed a boat and an engine to fish on our own because we were dependent on others for daily wages,” Akram recalls. Their dream came true through the Increasing Resilience Project through Innovative and Sustainable Improvement of Food Security and Livelihoods, funded by BMZ and implemented by ADO in partnership with DKH.
Akram and four colleagues received a shared grant for productive assets, including a boat, engine, fishing nets, a Magellan GPS device, and life jackets. This assistance marked a turning point in their lives. “They fulfilled our dream by providing us with everything we needed to go to sea independently,” Akram says proudly.
The impact was immediate and transformative. “We benefited from the fishing nets to catch fish like Jahsh and Qatran, and the boat allowed us to reach distant areas in the sea to catch Dirk fish,” Akram explains. “The Magellan GPS device helped us determine our location and find the best fishing spots.”
With these tools, Akram’s income level improved significantly, enabling him to better meet his family’s needs. “My income has increased substantially, and it’s much better than before,” he says. Beyond material support, the project also encouraged Akram to pursue his dreams. “ADO organization helped us a lot and motivated us to keep working hard,” he adds.
Today, Akram is no longer just a fisherman working for others. He is an ambitious young man striving to achieve his goals. “Now, I want to build a house, get married, and strengthen my family,” he says, his eyes filled with determination.

Akram’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, and timely support. Grateful for the assistance he received, he says, “We thank ADO, DKH, and the donor from the bottom of our hearts. They have changed our situation and brought joy to our lives.” Akram’s story serves as an inspiring example of how targeted interventions can transform lives, giving individuals like him the tools and confidence to build a brighter future. It reinforces the idea that even in the face of adversity, hope and opportunity can prevail. “I am hopeful for the future,” Akram concludes. “This support has given me the chance to dream bigger and work harder to achieve my goals.”