Taiz - Saba:
The General Authority of Zakat branch in Taiz province organized a graduation ceremony on Tuesday for the beneficiaries of the Economic Empowerment Project, marking the launch of professional and production toolkits for the graduates under the slogan “Building and Empowerment.”
The project, implemented by the Zakat Authority’s branch, targeted 374 beneficiaries from the governorates of Taiz and Lahj. Professional toolkits were distributed to them at a total cost of 344 million Yemeni riyals, funded by the local Zakat branch.
During the event held at Al-Rasoul Al-Azam Square in the province center, and attended by several Shura Council members, the Chairman of the General Authority of Zakat, Sheikh Shamsan Abu Nashtan, congratulated the graduates of the Economic Empowerment Project, which aims to address the conditions of a broad segment of the poor, including youth and women.
“We are here today, by the grace of God, implementing one of the pillars of Islam—Zakat,” said Abu Nashtan. “No individual deserves credit for this project except Allah, and the revolutionary and political leadership that has worked to implement God's law through the proper disbursement of zakat.”
He added, “Zakat projects are now emerging into the light, including the Economic Empowerment Project in the proud governorate of Taiz.” He praised the graduates’ engagement and the steadfastness of the people of Taiz, who have demonstrated that plots against them will be defeated by their resilience.
Abu Nashtan emphasized that the Economic Empowerment Project aligns with the vision of the Leader of the Revolution, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and President of the Supreme Political Council, Field Marshal Mahdi al-Mashat. “We at the Zakat Authority are honored to implement this project under the patronage of the Leader of the Revolution, the strong supporter of Yemen's vulnerable people, and the President of the Supreme Political Council,” he said.
He explained that the project included initiatives for “professional empowerment, supporting productive families, and small-scale projects,” benefiting 374 people, ensuring their right to zakat. He confirmed that the beneficiaries are now qualified to be integrated into the labor market after training at vocational institutes.
He noted that the project contributes to combating unemployment through value chains, helping to achieve self-sufficiency by empowering youth across various fields. “Zakat was previously neglected and its law abolished by former regimes, but today, we witness the anxiety of our enemies in the face of zakat initiatives that reach the poor and the weak,” he stated.
Abu Nashtan also highlighted future zakat projects for Taiz, particularly those targeting people with disabilities.
In his remarks on behalf of the local authority, Taiz Mobilization Official Mohammad al-Khalidi congratulated the male and female graduates, noting that the project was carried out under the supervision of the local authority and the Zakat Authority.
He emphasized that the graduation is a powerful indication of the Zakat Authority's commitment to the poor and underprivileged youth seeking a better life. He praised the Revolution Leader's dedication to restoring the rightful role and function of zakat.
Al-Khalidi also called on merchants and those obligated to pay zakat to fulfill this duty, noting the visible impact it has had on beneficiaries.
During the event, which was also attended by Zakat Authority officials Mohammed Al-Ayani (Banks Sector) and Ali Al-Zurafi (Awareness and Training Sector), the Director of the Zakat Branch in Taiz, Shawqi Mughlis, expressed his happiness at the graduation and toolkit distribution, which will help graduates enter the workforce in technical and vocational professions.
“Zakat has succeeded in lifting many families from need to productivity. It is now a blessing thanks to the sincere efforts of the Authority’s leadership and the patronage of the Revolution Leader,” said Mughlis, adding that the country had been deprived of such blessings for decades.
He described the Zakat Authority as one of the fruits of the September 21st Revolution, fulfilling the third pillar of Islam and translating major projects into reality with fairness and a commitment to restoring people’s dignity.
On behalf of the graduates, engineer Razaz al-Sumaydi delivered a speech affirming that their graduation followed months of education, hands-on training, and professional practice to prepare for integration into the labor market and embark on a new chapter in life.
He added that the training involved lectures, workshops, and practical experience to make the most of time, develop abilities, and build skills.
The ceremony concluded with a poem by poet Ahmed Abbad, followed by honoring Sheikh Shamsan Abu Nashtan and Mohammad al-Khalidi by Dr. Ahmed al-Amiri, Head of the Taiz University – Al-Huban Branch.
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