Hodeida: The General Authority of Zakat Office in Al-Hodeida Governorate concluded its performance for the year 2024 with notable achievements in supporting the poor and needy through various humanitarian and economic empowerment projects. These initiatives have significantly contributed to alleviating the hardships faced by vulnerable populations.
According to Yemen News Agency, the office has been instrumental in implementing emergency humanitarian interventions to aid thousands of needy individuals in the governorate. This has reinforced the principle of social solidarity and highlighted the effective use of legitimate zakat expenditures, demonstrating a commitment to easing the suffering of the impoverished.
The office’s success is reflected in improved administrative and financial performance, enhanced training and awareness programs, and the development of staff skills, all of which have boosted efficiency in project implementation and fund collection.
The office executed 20 projects last year across various humanitarian and charitable domains, valued at over three billion riyals. These projects aim to combat poverty and foster a productive community from among the poor. The zakat expenditures financed decentralized projects and interventions worth 580 million riyals, including a significant project to relieve insolvent prisoners through financial aid amounting to 208 million riyals.
Takaful and assistance projects were also prioritized, with 660 couples benefiting from a mass wedding project supported by 209 million riyals. Medical and marriage assistance to impoverished groups totaled over 370 million riyals, while emergency response initiatives provided comprehensive aid worth 173 million riyals.
The Zakat Office allocated resources to support agricultural, livestock, and fishery empowerment projects, aiming to rehabilitate poor families by helping them generate income. This included financial support for fishery projects and livestock rearing, as well as the distribution of fishing equipment to hundreds of families.
In response to flood damage in the region, the office implemented an emergency project providing food, shelter, and cash aid, benefiting thousands of affected families.
Muhammad Hazza, Director of the General Authority of Zakat Office, emphasized that these efforts stem from directives to assist the poor in the Tihama Plain regions. He praised the success of projects that have not only provided immediate relief but also empowered families to become self-sufficient, transforming recipients of aid into contributors.
The Zakat projects align with the Quranic march initiative, aiming to support the poor in achieving self-reliance in agriculture and industry. The office has remained committed to reaching out to the needy, debtors, and insolvent, while also focusing on long-term development and service projects.
Training and workshops have been conducted to ensure staff and trustees are equipped to fulfill their responsibilities towards the community, underscoring the Zakat Office’s dedication to serving the society’s most vulnerable members.