as part of their field visit to the Socotra archipelago to monitor supported projects in the fields of heritage and development.
The visiting delegation consisted of:
Ms. Mariam Samir Ahmed - Project General Manager
Mr. Salah Manbari - Project Officer
Dr. Hanan Mohammed Ahmed - Project Evaluation and Monitoring Officer
Mr. Mohammed Munir Al-Jaidi - Project Technical Consultant
During the visit, the SMEPS team reviewed the progress of the project to document traditional Socotri folk games, which the Foundation is implementing with support from SMEPS and in partnership with UNESCO and the European Union. They met directly with the project participants and learned about the key activities and results achieved.
The Socotra Foundation for Cultural and Natural Heritage emphasized its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, noting that the project to document traditional games represents an important step towards safeguarding and reviving this heritage, thus contributing to strengthening cultural identity and transmitting it to future generations. For his part, the project director, Dr. Ahmed Al-Rumaili, expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the SMPS Agency, UNESCO, and the European Union. He explained that the project went through several phases, including field surveys and data collection from elders, which contributed to documenting a number of traditional games that were threatened with extinction.
He added that the project, with the participation of 20 trainees, continues its efforts to revive these games and introduce them to the community again through various cultural activities and events.
The foundation affirms its commitment to continuing its projects aimed at protecting the cultural and natural heritage of Socotra and strengthening its presence as an essential part of the national identity.
