From the darkness of isolation to the light of hope!
In Mahwa Al Asfal, a remote area in Radfan district, Lahj governorate, families face harsh humanitarian conditions that mirror the wider struggles of Yemen’s marginalized communities. Home to 497 people, the area lacks the most basic necessities—safe shelter, clean water, and private sanitation. Crumbling infrastructure, widespread illiteracy, and limited access to education compound their vulnerability, leaving residents to navigate daily life in a state of profound neglect.
Posted on 21 Jul 2025
We invite you to witness the story of Jamal, a resident of Mahwa Al Asfal who has become a voice for the marginalized in his community. He now stands as their representative, engaging with local authorities and humanitarian organizations to advocate for their right to a dignified life.
Through this photo story, you can witness Jamal’s journey and the tangible improvements in living conditions for the residents of the area brought about by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), through the Yemen Displacement Response (YDR) Consortium and with support from the European Union. Together, these efforts have begun to transform daily life in a place that has been long forgotten.
The DRC was not a magical genie, but it was human enough to understand our needs.
/ Jamal, a marginalized at Mahwa Al Asfal, Lahj Governorate
Jamal, 40, is a father of six and a member of the marginalized community in Mahwa Al Asfal. He is the only person in his area with formal education—and he has used it to become both a journalist and a human rights activist. Through his voice and determination, Jamal advocates for his community’s rights and brings their struggles to the attention of the world.
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Jamal’s community sees him as a powerful reflection of their daily struggles... someone who can amplify their unheard voices.
Jamal channels their concerns through local newspapers, social media, and direct engagement with authorities, ensuring their appeals for dignity and basic rights do not go unnoticed.
Recognizing his ability to speak out and be heard, they chose him to represent them on the community committee with DRC. This role allowed him to clearly communicate their needs to DRC.
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Through DRC interventions, residents were provided with dignified shelters; sturdy structures that finally offered protection from rain, heat, and cold. Thoughtfully designed with proper ventilation, these shelters helped reduce health risks by minimizing pollution and the spread of disease. For the first time in years, the community experienced a sense of safety, stability and relief.
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To support marginalized families, especially children, the Mobile Community Center was established in Mahwa Al Asfal, where public schools are non-existent.
The center has become a vital lifeline, offering children access to informal education in subjects like science, mathematics, reading, and writing. Beyond academics, it provides a safe and welcoming space for sports, play, and creative expression.
In a place characterized by hardship, the center nurtures children’s well-being and brings a renewed sense of hope to the entire community.
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For years, the absence of toilets forced residents to relieve themselves outdoors, often in complete darkness. This exposed women and children to serious risks, including harassment and disease-carrying insects.
The Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF) responded by building proper toilets for the community. With support from the European Union, the facilities were later renovated and fitted with lighting. These changes brought much-needed safety, privacy, and dignity to the residents, especially at night.
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Despite recent positive developments in Mahwa Al Asfal, the sharp decline in humanitarian aid across Yemen has cast a shadow over Jamal’s hopes for the future. His dream—to help secure a stable and dignified livelihood for the people of his village—now hangs in the balance.
Most residents survive on low-paying informal jobs like shoe repair, portering, or street cleaning. For this exhausting work, they earn just 60,000 Yemeni riyals a month, roughly 23 US dollars.
But what can 23 dollars buy in a country where the cost of food, fuel, and basic services continues to climb?
It is a question Jamal asks every single day, as he carries on fighting for a future where his community no longer has to choose between survival and dignity.
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