Middle East overview

The Middle East region has been marred by political instability over the years, which has caused poverty and unemployment and has resulted in high numbers of refugees and internally displaced people.

Our work in the Middle East

The Middle East region has been marred by political instability over the years, which has caused poverty and unemployment and has resulted in high numbers of refugees and internally displaced people.

Ongoing conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has meant that the poorest Palestinians cannot travel freely and have little or no opportunity to earn a living.

Young people find themselves growing up in an uncertain environment where there are few prospects for the future. Unemployment in the region is at a record high and there is an increasing scarcity of resources and a worsening security situation. This means that many young people cannot access education or training services to enable them to earn a livelihood. This creates a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness for the future.

How we are helping

Y Care International has worked in the Middle East since 1984 through the East Jerusalem YMCA in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the YMCA of Lebanon.

Our work in the region focuses on addressing conflict-related poverty. Y Care International is supporting vocational training to enable young men and women to learn a skill and enhance their employment opportunities. These skills range from car maintenance, carpentry, food production, metal work, graphic design and electronic maintenance. The students also get the opportunity to carry out work placements.

Our partner YMCAs also provide young people affected by conflict with psycho-social counselling. Lebanon YMCA helps young men and women to gain an understanding of democratic processes and how to effect change in their communities at local, regional and national levels.

The YMCAs work with the most disadvantaged and marginalised young groups, including Palestinians living in refugee camps, young men and women from impoverished families and young people with disabilities.