In the heart of Ahwar District, Abyan Governorate, lived four young men—Mohammed Baharoon, Abdullah Saeed, Abdullah Saleh, and Mohammed Ahmed—who faced overwhelming challenges in a remote area deprived of basic necessities. The ongoing conflict had cast a heavy shadow over every aspect of life, leaving them with limited opportunities and a future clouded by uncertainty. With no access to education and increasing daily hardships, their dreams seemed to fade before the harshness of reality.

Despite the difficulties, these young men held on to the hope of a better day. Life, however, continued to steer them toward paths they didn’t choose—working in farms or taking on menial jobs to scrape together a living. As time passed, survival became tougher, but hope began to emerge from an unexpected place.

Everything changed when they were selected to participate in the "Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen – Joint Programme (ERRYIII)," co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, and implemented by the Youth Leadership Development Foundation (YLDF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In 2024, the program was launched in several areas across Yemen, including Ahwar, and spanned six months of intensive training in renewable energy and entrepreneurship.

These were not just theoretical sessions—they were transformative, hands-on experiences that taught them skills they had never imagined acquiring. In the entrepreneurship training, they learned how to calculate project costs, plan strategically, and identify the needs of their community to create impactful business ideas instead of just looking for jobs. Most importantly, the training shifted their mindset. “We used to believe success was all about luck or having money,” said Mohammed Baharoon. “But we discovered that good planning and a deep understanding of a project can make all the difference.”

They became more financially aware, learned to avoid common startup mistakes like overspending on unnecessary equipment, and mastered market analysis to deliver solutions that truly serve their community. “Now we help each other, we share ideas and solutions. We no longer focus on the problem—we focus on what we can do about it,” he added.

The next phase of their training took them into the world of renewable energy, where they learned how to install and maintain solar power systems, understand the differences between types of solar panels and batteries, and how to enhance the efficiency of solar systems for sustainable use. As Mohammed summarized, “We didn’t realize the opportunities renewable energy could offer until this training. It changed the way we think.”

Empowered by Solar Energy: Launching the First Sesame Oil Press in the Area

The four young men came together and, using the knowledge gained from their training, developed a compelling project proposal. Their dedication and teamwork paid off—their project idea won financial support. Instead of continuing to search for jobs, they built something of their own: the first solar-powered sesame oil press in the region. This innovative idea was unlike anything seen in their area before.

The system’s reliance on solar energy significantly reduced operational costs compared to traditional diesel-powered presses and enabled longer working hours, increasing profitability and making the project more sustainable. “Now we don’t worry about fuel shortages or price hikes—solar energy keeps our press running,” said one of the team members.

As time went on, their solar-powered sesame press began to generate a stable income. Thanks to its efficiency and affordability, the product became competitive in local markets. The young men divided responsibilities—from preparing sesame seeds, managing operations, and packaging the oil to delivering it to the marketplace. Sesame is one of Abyan’s most important oil crops, and sesame oil is used widely in local dishes such as “simsimiyah”, a traditional sweet made from sesame oil, roasted seeds, and sugar, as well as in sesame bread and other staple foods.

A Ripple Effect of Innovation and Hope

Innovation didn’t stop at the press—it became a way of thinking. “Now, we see opportunities where we once saw only challenges,” said Abdullah Saeed. Their project not only changed their lives but also inspired their community. The sesame press became a local sensation, known as the first of its kind to operate on renewable energy in Ahwar.

Soon, other community members began seeking their help and advice on using solar energy for their own initiatives. Today, they are not just entrepreneurs—they are local mentors and sources of inspiration. “We help those around us use solar energy, whether it’s to light their homes or power small tools,” said Abdullah.

Their journey is a powerful example of how serious training and the right opportunity can transform lives. What started as a training opportunity became a launchpad for a new future. These young men are no longer just survivors—they are changemakers, proving that even in the darkest circumstances, hope and innovation can light the way.

The sesame presses of Ahwar are no longer just places of work. They have become symbols of innovation, sustainability, and community-driven change—all made possible by a program that gave them the tools, skills, and vision to make a real difference.