جامعة تعز

The European Commission Project, YHELD

Date : 28-03-2025


Taiz University Participates in the Training Course for Partners of the European Commission Project, YHELD





Deliverable D1.5 YHELD: Progress report

On November 29, 2024, LCU released Deliverable D1.5 regarding the Progress Report.

The YHELD project, an Erasmus-EDU-2023-CBHE initiative aimed at developing international relations offices (IROs) in Yemen's higher education institutions (HEIs), has achieved significant progress in its initial phase (December 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024).
1. Project Management, Quality, Monitoring and Evaluation (Work Package 1)

•Overall Management: The project leader oversaw the preparation of the Partner Agreement and was supported by a specialist in various operational activities. Management tools, including forms, templates, guidelines, and a project calendar, were presented to partners.
•Project Meetings: The Kick-Off Meeting was held online due to unforeseen circumstances. The project leader and Risk Manager were responsible for organizing, planning, and reporting on all meetings.
•Interim and Final Reports: The Link Campus University (LCU) developed the interim narrative and financial reports based on partner contributions, collected on a half-yearly basis.
•Risk Management Plan: LCU, with support from partner colleagues, developed a Risk Management Plan to predict risks, estimate impacts, and define responses to potential problems.
•Quality Assurance Plan: LCU drafted a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to ensure the quality of the project's processes and results. The QAP was discussed, validated by all partners, and used to ensure the timely delivery of milestones and deliverables.
•Reporting, Monitoring, and Scheduling: The Coordinator (LCU) worked with Work Package Leaders to ensure timely preparation of deliverables and milestones, adhering to the QAP's quality standards.
•Internal Evaluation: Partners evaluated processes, deliverables, and milestones through dedicated contributions included in half-yearly reports.
2. Assessment and Technological Empowerment (Work Package 2)
•Internal Assessment of Training Needs: ACEEU conducted an in-depth internal assessment, analyzing the abilities and capabilities of professors, researchers, staff, and governance board members at Yemeni universities. The assessment also focused on the resources the universities rely on and their interconnections.
•Development of Digital Infrastructure and E-learning Platform: ACEEU developed an e-learning platform based on free-to-use distance learning methods, with adjustments made for each HEI according to their specific needs, accompanied by a specific manual.
3. Training and Designing Strategies for IROs (Work Package 3)
•Definition of Training Programs and Schedules: Training programs are being prepared for online and in-person delivery. Key training topics include Leadership and Governance, Enablers and Support mechanisms, Research, and Teaching and Learning.
•Training on E-learning Platform Usage: Specific training on new distance teaching methodologies will be provided, focusing on the use of e-learning methods for teachers and their applications in teaching methods.
•SWOT Analysis: HEIs in Yemen conducted a SWOT analysis of institutional resources and practices to map internal resources and their interrelations.
•Design of Internationalization Strategy: The strategy relies on the assessment developed in WP2, on the results of the training and of the SWOT analyses of this WP. Targeted HEIs in Yemen, empowered through the training Issues and Adjustments

•Several training activities (T3.3, T3.4, T3.5) have not yet been implemented.
•Training activities T3.1, T3.2, and T3.7 are being implemented partially online and partially in person.
•The Kick-Off Meeting was shifted to an online format.

Deliverable D1.5 YHELD: Progress report

🚀 YHELD Project Update – Progress Report D1.5 Released!
📅 Period: Dec 1, 2023 – Dec 1, 2024
📍 Coordinated by Link Campus University (LCU)
🎯 Goal: Strengthening International Relations Offices (IROs) in Yemen’s Higher Education Institutions
🔍 Key Highlights:
✅ Project management tools, risk plan & quality assurance framework in place
✅ Successful internal assessment by ACEEU to map training needs
✅ E-learning platform developed & tailored for Yemeni HEIs
✅ Training programs in progress – focusing on leadership, governance, and e-learning methods
✅ Institutional SWOT analyses conducted to shape internationalization strategies
⚠️ Challenges:
Some training activities are pending or being partially delivered online/in person.
Kick-off meeting held online due to constraints.
📬 Want to know more?
🌐 Website: https://research.unilink.it/yheld
📧 Contact: a.damiani@unilink.it
🔗 Follow us: Link Campus University on LinkedIn
#YHELD #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #CapacityBuilding #Yemen #Internationalization #IROs #EUprojects #LCU #ErasmusCBHE

Taiz University Strengthens Its Partnership in the Virtual YHELD Project for Higher Education Development

Taiz University has continued its active participation in the virtual meeting of the YHELD project partners for higher education development, which was attended by a select group of experts and representatives from Yemeni universities and the European Union.
Representing the university at the meeting was Professor Riyad Al-Aqab, Vice President for Student Affairs and project coordinator. The virtual meeting discussed the achievements made within the project and presented proposals for efficiently implementing the remaining phases of the action plan.
It is worth noting that Taiz University is a key partner in this project, alongside other Yemeni universities, in collaboration with the European Commission, striving to enhance the quality of higher education and scientific research in Yemen.
The project includes: - Link Campus University (LCU)
- UNIMED – Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED)
- Faculty of Applied Social Studies in Nova Gorica (SASS)
- Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU GmbH)
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU)
- University of Aden
- University of Lahj
- University of Abyan
- University of Shabwa
- University of Hadhramaut
- University of Seiyun
- University of Al-Adel
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Deliverable D1.3 YHELD: Periodic report (first year)

On July 31, 2024, LCU released Deliverable D1.3 regarding the Periodic report (first year). The Deliverable analyses and summarizes all the main technical and organizational aspects implemented during the first year of the project. The first results achieved, the difficulties encountered during the months of work and the next steps to be taken for proper implementation of the activities so that the expected results can be achieved.
Needs Analysis and Target Groups:
  • -Yemeni HEIs are isolated and lack updated skills, innovative approaches, and resources to engage internationally.
  • -The project targets three main groups: administrative and technical staff, teachers and researchers, and governance representatives of HEIs.
    • -Common needs include:
    •    Updating and developing skills and experiences to enable participation in international partnerships.
    •    Designing a coordinated and scientific strategy for internationalization, overcoming politicized and centralized management.
    •    Improving the societal and international perception of Yemeni universities.
    •    Fostering a culture of innovation to adapt to new generations of students and modern educational demands.
  • -Before the war, Yemeni universities had collaborations with European institutions promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, but these have largely stalled.
Results Achieved and Activities:
  • - The project has initiated the establishment of IROs in partner universities, providing training and capacity building for staff and faculty.
  • - It has promoted the development of shared internationalization strategies and facilitated networking and partnership opportunities.
  • - Efforts have been made to increase student and faculty mobility and to involve Yemeni universities more actively in the global academic community.
Impact and Ambition:
  • - The project aims to prevent further deterioration of Yemeni higher education and reduce brain drain by empowering local institutions.
  • - It supports HEIs as key actors in Yemen’s stabilization, social cohesion, and economic development.
  • - Education is seen as a critical tool for providing hope and improving living conditions in a conflict-affected society.
  • -The initiative promotes building a knowledge-based society essential for Yemen’s democratization and reconstruction.
Challenges and Recommendations:
  • - The ongoing conflict and political instability remain major obstacles.
  • - Continuous international support—financial, technical, and academic—is necessary.
  • - Strengthening governance, autonomy, and transparency in universities is recommended to ensure sustainable progress.

For further information on YHELD
Email address: a.damiani@unilink.it
website
Your social media channels:

🎓📢 A Milestone for the YHELD Project!
We’re excited to share Deliverable D1.3 – First-Year Periodic Report, highlighting the key achievements, challenges, and next steps of the YHELD (Yemeni Higher Education Leadership for Development) project.

👉 In the first year, we have:
✅ Initiated the creation of International Relations Offices (IROs) in Yemeni partner universities
✅ Delivered extensive training and capacity-building for staff and faculty
✅ Developed shared internationalization strategies
✅ Promoted student and staff mobility, and fostered new partnerships

🎯 Our mission?
To empower Yemeni Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as essential pillars for national stabilization, social cohesion, and economic recovery — even in the face of ongoing conflict.

💡 Education is hope. It’s the foundation for opportunity, peace, and long-term reconstruction.

📎 Learn more: https://research.unilink.it/yheld/
📩 Contact: a.damiani@unilink.it
🔗 Follow us: Link Campus University on LinkedIn

#YHELD #HigherEducation #Internationalization #Yemen #CapacityBuilding #EducationForDevelopment #EUPartnership #LinkCampusUniversity #EducationForPeace


Kick-Off YHELD consortium meeting: name of your organisation joined the online Kick-Off Meeting of YHELD
On January 18, 2024, (name of your organisation) attended the kick-off meeting of the project entitled: YHELD - Yemeni Higher Education Leading to Development of relint offices. The kick-off took place online, under the leadership of the project manager dr. Raffaele Longo, Link Campus University (Italy). A Project is co-funded by the Erasmus Plus Programme of the European Commission. The consortium is composed by 8 Yemeni Universities, with a current small operational capacity, 4 EU HEIs, representatives of three European countries, and 1 EU Association of Universities. The KOM was held in online mode.
YHELD project team and project partners are: Link Campus University (Italy), Unione delle Università del Mediterraneo (Italy), School of Advanced Social Studies – SASS (Slovenia), Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (Germany), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Germany), University of Abyan (Yemen), Al-Adel University (Yemen), University of Aden (Yemen), Hadhramout University (Yemen), University of Lahej (Yemen), Seiyun University (Yemen), University of Shabwa (Yemen), Taiz University (Yemen).
The YHELD project responds to an urgent and concrete request formulated by Yemeni Universities to support them in overcoming some of the difficulties and the isolation problems created by the recent and current history of the PC. The higher education is one of the sectors that sustained serious destruction and is not considered as priority due to the humanitarian emergency. In addition, the security issue as well as the lack of qualified employment opportunities have discouraged students to participate in the academic life.
The specific objective of the project is to enhance Yemeni HEIs capacities and abilities to work at international level, through the establishment of IROs – International Relation Offices and the definition of internationalization strategies in the partner Yemeni universities. IROs will be academic window on international scenario, a strategic “tool” to involve local educational community in international innovative initiatives, giving visibility, supporting, and monitoring the Universities’ initiatives also assuring good quality standards. [Insert a brief description of your organisation and its role in YHELD]
For further information on YHELD
For further information on YHELD
Email address: a.damiani@unilink.it
website
Your social media channels:

Media Department

Under the direct supervision and guidance of Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Shoaibi, President of Taiz University, the university participated on Monday in a virtual training course as part of the European Commission's YHELD project. The course included eight Yemeni universities and targeted 64 lecturers, researchers, and administrators via online communication technology. Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Shoaibi emphasized the importance of Taiz University's participation in this project, as it contributes to enhancing the university’s capabilities, international cooperation, and progress in governance and research support through its partnership with the European Commission. The training course was attended by: Professor Dr. Riyadh Al-Aqab, Vice President for Student Affairs and Program Coordinator. Dr. Turki Mahyoub, Head of the International Relations Department. A group of faculty members and university staff. The training course, which runs on December 9, 10, and 16, covers key topics such as university education internationalization, leadership and governance empowerment, research support mechanisms, as well as teaching and learning strategies. It is conducted over three days by Link Campus University (Italy), Martin Luther Halle-Wittenberg University (Germany), and ACEEU GMBH (Germany).