Culture as Space for Memory, Expression, Cohesion & Opportunity
In conflict-affected Yemen, culture is not a secondary activity; it is a vital space for memory preservation, restoring social bonds, and creating safe environments for expression and belonging. Sheba Youth Foundation for Development leverages arts, heritage, cinema, music, and storytelling as entry points for peacebuilding, social cohesion, and creative economic opportunities.
Sheba’s Contribution to Foundation, Facilitation & Cultural Coordination
Sheba Youth Foundation contributed to establishing and facilitating a joint space convening cultural, artistic, and heritage actors in Taiz to enhance networking, dialogue, and memory preservation. Presented through Sheba’s facilitation role while respecting the independence and ownership of participating cultural entities.
Conducted founding workshop, agreed on forming the Cultural Council, set up communication tools, and established capacity priorities. Self-funded by Sheba.
Several cultural initiatives intersect directly with Pillar 3 (Wa’ad Youth Network), particularly in safe learning, digital protection, traditional games, and creative expression.
Implemented projects and field interventions advancing track objectives and strengthening local partnerships.
An inclusive cultural coordination platform established and facilitated by Sheba Youth Foundation, convening artistic, heritage, and literary actors in Taiz across Orange Economy, Heritage Safeguarding, and Peace Narratives.
A youth choir initiative in Taiz that uses music and collective performance as a tool for social cohesion, peacebuilding, and creative expression among young people from diverse community backgrounds.
Hosted Karama Yemen Human Rights Film Festival in Taiz, screening 9 films to 600 community members (50% women) following filmmaking workshops by YWT.
Combines literature, interactive storytelling, puppet theater, and creative writing to educate adolescent girls on digital identity, privacy, cyberbullying, and online safety based on the "Digital Shadows" novel.
Under the "Together We Change for Better" initiative, Wa’ad Network girls revived traditional games as intangible cultural heritage in Taiz. Implemented at Nema Rassam School, connecting young students to local identity.
