Collaboration between CSOs and the Telecommunications Sector: Driving Change and Sustainable Development

Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope) – Hebah Mohammed

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Yemen are one of the key factors in promoting sustainable development and building strong communities. They actively contribute to achieving their goals across various developmental and service sectors within society. These organizations require support from different sectors and collaboration to enhance the services provided to the community, including the telecommunications sector.

The communications sector is not only a means of communication and information transfer today, but also an important partner in enhancing mutual cooperation between it and local CSOs. The communications sector plays a vital role in providing the necessary infrastructure for communications and technology and can provide the technical support and resources needed to enhance the capabilities of civil organizations.

This report aims to shed light on the role of the telecommunications sector in supporting local CSOs and the collaborative efforts between them. The report will discuss the activities provided by the telecommunications sector to civil organizations and how cooperation and partnership between the two sides are enhanced to achieve common goals.

Telecommunications & Local Organizations Collaboration

CSOs in Yemen have emphasized the importance of the role of the communications and information technology sector in various activities related to organizations, whether human rights, humanitarian, or relief. It is worth noting that the poor service, censorship, and continuous blocking of websites in Yemen make it difficult for organizations to communicate, report, and provide humanitarian services that meet the needs of citizens.

Local CSOs have a significant role in improving communication services and information technology. By actively participating in proposing scientific solutions to challenges, they enhance the telecommunications sector’s impact on public life. Developing a comprehensive digital strategy that supports economic growth in collaboration with the private sector is crucial. When CSOs collaborate with the telecommunications sector, tangible positive changes can occur within the community. This partnership facilitates effective access to technological services and information transfer, ultimately promoting awareness and communication between society and civil organizations. By supporting the telecommunications sector, civil organizations can strengthen their capabilities, expand their scope of work, and efficiently execute projects.

The role of CSOs lies in enhancing social cohesion through their collaboration with the telecommunications and information technology sector in community activities. This collaboration fosters trust between the sector and the community.

In this context, Sadeq Musharraf, the Director of Attarabot Development Foundation, explains that the telecommunications sector in Yemen provides support in charitable endeavors. This includes supporting initiatives such as providing Eid clothing, sacrificial animals, and sponsoring youth events (such as graduation ceremonies). Additionally, the sector contributes to activities and programs, such as training and qualification projects for young people in education and vocational courses, as well as economic empowerment projects for low-income individuals.

Furthermore, there is joint cooperation through partnerships with organizations that focus on community development and are concerned with women, children, and needy students. For instance, implementing initiatives like school bag distribution and supporting impoverished families through economic empowerment, including providing sewing machines and other resources. The telecommunications sector also has potential options to play a role by establishing sustainable support for local organizations, directly supervising sustainable development efforts, and creating employment opportunities for all.

Bushra Al-Gharbani, the president of the Humanitarian Cooperation Foundation for People with Disabilities, points out that the contribution of the telecommunications sector in Yemen to the financing side for local CSOs is very limited and rare. It is mostly limited to specific activities and projects. For example, the Public Telecommunications Corporation supported the Efficiency 22 event related to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, alongside Yemen Mobile Company, in providing basic supplies to the institution.

Mona Rabat, President of the Agricultural Society in Ibb Governorate, adds: “Unfortunately, the association has not received support from the telecommunications sector for implementing agricultural activities. There is minimal and impactful support from the telecommunications sector for community and civic activities. Efforts to carry out activities in various fields are either self-funded or supported by some international organizations.”

Rabat further emphasizes that the association is making efforts to achieve development goals, enhance the agricultural sector, and empower farmers. Recognizing the urgent need for support from various sectors, including telecommunications, which is one of the country’s key revenue-generating sectors, attention should be directed toward achieving the goals of civil organizations. Companies in the telecommunications industry should announce opportunities for contributing to community development.”

Contribution of the Telecommunications Sector to Community Development

The telecommunications sector in Yemen strives to firmly establish concepts of social responsibility. This commitment is rooted in its dedication to the Yemeni community and the provision of satisfactory services. The telecommunications sector in Yemen has been keen on delivering useful information services and engaging in community participation based on its priorities. Through continuous efforts, it aims to make tangible contributions to distinguished and ongoing social and economic growth, enriching community life.

Engineer Radwan Al-Warafi, Director of Sales and Customer Service at the Ibb branch, emphasizes that the Public Telecommunication Corporation is committed to supporting community initiatives. It actively collaborates with CSOs, as well as other government and private institutions. Notably, its community contributions include consistent support for higher education and graduation events for students in government and private universities, as well as specialized government institutes across most governorates in the republic.

Furthermore, the institution’s contribution is not limited to specific aspects; it also extends to supporting the health sector. This includes backing the Yemen Society for Thalassemia and Genetic Blood Disorders, as well as supporting cancer centers, kidney failure centers, and burn centers in several governorates, including Al-Hodeidah, Sana’a, and others. Additionally, the institution contributes to hosting international conferences organized by some government and private universities, such as the Second International Conference on Modern Smart Technologies and Applications at Ibb University.

Engineer Radwan Al-Warafi emphasized that the Ministry of Communications and its branches are committed to supporting primary and secondary education. They do so by supporting the School Feeding Project and the School Bag Project in governorates like Al-Hodeidah, Sana’a, Hajjah, and Al-Mahwit. Furthermore, they sponsor various sports tournaments in football, chess, and table tennis, as well as support certain sports clubs participating in the 2023 league competitions.

In the context of his conversation, Engineer Radwan Al-Warafi mentioned that the Ministry of Communications contributed to supporting road projects through rehabilitation and maintenance of certain streets across most governorates. For instance, they rehabilitated the Al-Kabsi Street in the Al-Mushannah district of Ibb Governorate, covering a concrete pavement length of 230 meters. Additionally, they honored security personnel, traffic officers, and sanitation workers, appreciating their significant roles in providing services during the blessed month of Ramadan and official holidays.

Challenges & Solutions

Sadiq Musharraf highlights that there are numerous challenges facing collaborative efforts between CSOs and the telecommunications sector. These challenges stem from a lack of awareness and recognition regarding the crucial and vital role this sector plays in community development. Often, the focus remains solely on revenue generation, neglecting the human aspect.

Sadiq envisions many future possibilities where the telecommunications sector can actively support CSOs. However, achieving this requires careful planning that considers the pivotal role this sector plays. Unfortunately, there is currently insufficient attention or interest in supporting organizations dedicated to community development.

To overcome these challenges, Sadiq recommends precise planning to ensure that the telecommunications sector fulfills its vital role. Supporting organizations striving to enhance community development and extending a helping hand to those in need is essential. By directing efforts toward these goals, the sector can contribute to sustainable development, comprehensive support for marginalized communities, and the promotion of social justice.