Yemeni Youth: Vital Role and Positive Impact on Advancing Telecom and Information Systems Sector

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

Youth are considered one of the most interactive and dynamic segments of society in the digital realm due to their skills and experience in dealing with modern technologies and smart applications in general. The telecommunications sector holds significant importance in supporting development processes across various aspects of life. Therefore, the role of youth and youth initiatives becomes crucial in providing decisive support for enhancing and developing this sector, given their adaptability and proficiency in communication tools and information systems.

Digital technological advancement provides an opportunity to expand youth participation in peace-building processes and facilitate the voices of young people reaching decision-makers. The technological revolution worldwide has helped integrate all segments of society, especially youth, in participating in activities that contribute to the development of developmental and service sectors in society. It allows them to express their opinions and concerns directly through interactive features and participate in providing solutions. Furthermore, technological advancements in communication and information technology have helped enhance the digital culture among youth, thereby contributing to the implementation of advanced projects in various fields.

Promising Youth Initiatives 

Initiatives and youth projects in Yemen leave a positive impact on enhancing the telecommunications and information systems sector in the country. These initiatives work towards increasing digital awareness and educating young people in the necessary skills in the field of digital technology. 

As part of these efforts, members of the “Youth Seed Initiative” delivered a course titled “Digital Awareness” to a group of activists and media professionals in Taiz Governorate. The course aimed to raise digital awareness, encourage acquiring information and knowledge in programming and information systems.

In the same context, Yahya Mohammed, a student of Telecommunications and Information Systems Engineering, stated, “We, the youth, make vital and connected efforts to enhance information security in the telecommunications sector. Many of us have ideas and plans to develop data protection programs and personal information, providing secure and effective protection solutions for the public and companies.”

He adds, “Many young people are keen on technology development and presenting new ideas that improve telecommunications and information systems services. This is evident in the efforts made to develop communication and Internet services, as well as mobile applications, computer software, and websites that meet users’ needs and enhance their experience in using technology.” He emphasizes that the efforts and effective solutions provided by young people focus on combating cyber-attacks, protecting devices and networks from breaches and cyber threats. Fuad Al Nahari agrees, explaining that the involvement of young people in training and raising awareness about the benefits of modern communications and their importance is crucial. It improves the spread of communications and information systems in communities that still face limited access to technology.

He continues, “Young people can contribute to supporting, developing, and improving the telecommunications and information systems sector with modern ideas and activities that keep pace with technological advancements. To achieve these contributions, appropriate support, opportunities, and professional training should be provided in the fields of communications and information systems.”

Challenges & Difficulties

Youth projects in the field of communication and information technology face several challenges and difficulties. In this context, Yahya Mohammed says, “The telecommunications sector suffers from a deterioration in infrastructure, resulting in poor network coverage and frequent service disruptions, which greatly affect the stability and effectiveness of projects. Additionally, Yemeni youth projects face difficulty in accessing project funding.”

He adds, “Lack of experience and technical skills is one of the challenges that hinder emerging youth projects in the field of communication and information technology.” He emphasizes the need to address these challenges and provide necessary support and specialized training in this field to enhance the success and sustainable growth of these promising projects.

In a related context, Fuad Al Nahari highlights the importance of providing scholarships for young people to join this vital sector, as well as continuous education programs to expand and develop their technical skills. He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between official entities and the private sector in facilitating the implementation of innovative projects in the field of communication and information systems, creating a supportive working environment, and providing financial, technical, and moral support for these projects and activities. In addition, there is a need to organize workshops and awareness lectures on personal information protection and optimal utilization of web and mobile applications.

Public Opinions

Regarding the opinions of young people in the field of communications and their ability to bring about change in its quality of services and improve them, Bashar Ali, a student enrolled in the Telecommunications Engineering department at Taiz University, said, “Youth have a high capacity for innovation and creativity in this field if they are provided with the resources that enable them to push this sector forward.”

On her part, Hasna’a Adel, a student in the Information Technology department, explained that she wanted to join the Telecommunications Engineering department, but no one encouraged her to do so, citing the reason that it is a department primarily for young men, and most of the applicants are males.

She adds, “There must be awareness about the importance of involving women in this aspect, so that female graduates understand how to build a digital system that embraces, nurtures, and attracts female minds and skills that support the digital transformation process. This will increase the sustainability of quality employment opportunities for women in the fields of communications and information technology.”