Through its Haith Al-Insan program in its seventh season, Tawakkol Karman Foundation has supported a project to improve the living conditions of a resident of Tarim in Hadramout governorate, eastern Yemen, who suffered a sudden and unexpected paralysis.
Marjan Saleh Saeed Marjan, 45, lives with his family of four in the Ba’alal area of Tarim. His life took a drastic turn when illness struck without warning. Despite his health challenges, Marjan refused to give up, holding onto hope for the sake of his family, particularly to ensure his two children continued their education.
Each morning, Marjan wakes up early to work on a farm harvesting alfalfa, his primary source of income. However, his condition has made reaching the farm a struggle. What used to be a 15-minute walk now takes him a full hour due to his limited mobility.
“In 2023, after leaving the mosque following evening prayers, I was shocked when I suddenly became paralyzed,” Marjan recalls. “I was taken to Sayun Hospital, where I stayed for three days. The doctors diagnosed me with partial paralysis, possibly caused by a stroke or a nerve disorder. It was a devastating moment, but I refused to lose hope. I am still able to move, and for that, I am grateful.”
Despite his condition, Marjan continues to work in the fields, using only one functional hand while the other remains nearly immobile. “Walking to the farm is a daily struggle, but patience and perseverance are key,” he says. “After finishing my work, I return home on foot and feed my sheep with the alfalfa I harvested, as they are my primary source of income. After that, my wife heads to another farm to earn additional income.”
Marjan's biggest challenge, however, is the financial strain. His income barely covers his family’s needs, making it difficult to afford even basic necessities in the face of harsh economic conditions.
In response, Tawakkol Karman Foundation, through the Haith Al-Insan program, stepped in to support Marjan by funding the establishment of a fully stocked grocery store—providing him with a new and more sustainable source of income. With the shop set up near his home, Marjan no longer has to endure the exhausting journey to the farm.
“This project has given me a new sense of hope,” Marjan says. “Now, instead of staying at home after returning from the farm, I can open the grocery store in the morning. It has saved me time and effort, making my life much easier and significantly improving my situation.”
