Emad Salem, a 29-year-old from Al-Jaadi village in Al-Mukha District, Taiz Governorate, faced a life of hardship as the sole provider for his parents and younger brothers and sisters. Struggling with unstable income, Emad found it difficult to meet his family’s basic needs. His dream of getting married and starting a family seemed out of reach.

“My dream was to own a boat and engine so I could get married, but the circumstances made it impossible,” Emad shared.

Everything changed when Emad learned about a productive asset grant project through local community committees.

Emad nominated for the grant and was soon selected as a beneficiary. The project, part of the Increasing Resilience and Sustainable Improvement of Food Security and Livelihoods intervention, funded by BMZ in partnership with DKH and implemented by ADO, aimed to empower fishermen by providing modern boats, engines, and fishing assets.

The provided assets included a fiberglass boat, a 15-horsepower Yamaha marine engine, a Magellan device, two fishing nets, and five life Jackets.

“I never imagined I would own my own boat,” Emad said with a smile.

With the new equipment, Emad and his partners began fishing professionally, earning a stable and rewarding income. His living conditions improved dramatically, allowing him to provide for his family and achieve his dream of marriage.

“The provided fish assets have completely changed my life and my family’s life.

I can now fulfill my dream of getting married and settling down, which I have already started to plan,” Emad said gratefully.

The grant, which provided productive fish assets, had a profound impact. Emad regained his confidence and felt a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Emad expressed his deep gratitude to the organizations that made this transformation possible: “I thank BMZ, DKH, and ADO for this grant. It changed my life, and I hope they continue to support Yemeni youth in achieving their dreams.”

Emad’s story is a testament to the power of targeted support and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the ADO and DKH partnership, funded by BMZ, Emad and others like him are given the tools to turn their dreams into reality.

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