WUNRN
http://www.havenrefuge.org.uk/index.php/about-the-haven/what-is-the-haven
Uzbekistan – Economic Empowerment Partnership Success in Rural
Samarkand
Wolverhampton, UK, December
2014
A
joint project, funded by the European Union’s Commission ‘Institution Building
and Partnership Programme’ (IBPP) between The Haven Wolverhampton, UK and the Socio
Economic Development Centre SABR, Uzbekistan was launch in September 2013. The
two year programme is titled “Support to the local community development for
sustainable livelihood and improvement of living standards in rural area of
Uzbekistan”.
During
the first year of the project three Local Development Centres (LDCs) were
established in the Akdariya and Urgut areas and Samarkand City to deliver
entrepreneurship and employability training to people from low income / poor
households. To date 221 young women and girls received vocational training
in the skills of their choice, including sewing, baking, computer literacy,
hairdressing and knitting.
The
beneficiaries attended leadership and business training sessions and received
micro-loans which enabled them to set up their own micro-businesses. Leadership
training was attended by 39 women, and 57 training sessions were delivered to
new and existing borrowers; overall 754 men and women received micro loans.
The
project specifically involved in its activities khokimiyats (Local Authorities)
at all levels, mahallas (local communities), Departments of Education, local
colleges, Women’s Committees and local NGOs. Awareness raising campaigns, and
exchange visits gained strong support and developed partnerships with key
decision makers and stakeholders. Stakeholders’ feedback demonstrated “a
significant positive impact of the organisation's activities on the
socio-economic situation of people”.
Round
table discussions and training programmes covering the role of Civil Society,
Social Partnership and Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children
facilitated a number of initiatives to increase socio-economic opportunities
for women and young people. Around 527 people took part in information
dissemination meetings and training during the first year of the project.
The project research demonstrated
that the project activities improved the socio-economic position of
beneficiaries with 56.7% respondents commenting that business training
increased opportunities for them to start their own business. 77.2% of
beneficiaries of the micro-finance programme indicated that the lives of people
began to improve, new jobs were created, and business started to develop
rapidly in rural areas.
CASE
STUDY: Guzal studied at the Akdaria Local Development Centre where she has learnt how to sew clothes and curtains. Training received
also helped her to develop business skills and confidence. Guzal
took a micro loan and started her own business to sew curtains to order.
“We
are delighted to have this support from the European Union ‘Institution
Building and Partnership Programme’ which helps us in our efforts to
ensure improvement of living standards of over 300 poor/low income households
in rural areas of Uzbekistan by setting up Local Development Centres of
vocational training for young women, supporting grass root initiatives and
local community development.” Elvira Wilson, Project Manager,
The Haven Wolverhampton.
The Haven Wolverhampton (www.havenrefuge.org.uk), a
non-governmental charitable organization established in 1973, provides both
practical and emotional support services to women and children who are affected
by domestic violence and homelessness. The Haven Wolverhampton is one of the
largest independent charities in the UK and one of the largest refuge providers
in the country.
The Socio-Economic
Development Centre “SABR”, Uzbekistan is an independent NGO which works
with and for women and children in difficult socio-economic situations,
providing support, encouragement and opportunities for an independent life and
safe environment. SABR’s programmes include micro-financing, counselling,
provision of information and training.
Contact Details:
Elvira Wilson, Project Manager
Email: Elvira_wilson@yahoo.co.uk
The Haven Wolverhampton
24 Hour Helpline: +44 (0)8000 194 400
Office Enquiries: +44 (0) 1902 572140
Email: info@havenrefuge.org.uk
Website: www.havenrefuge.org.uk
The
project is funded by the European Union
Delegation
of the European Union
To
the Republic of Uzbekistan
International
Business Centre
107
B Amir Temur street
Tashkent,
100 084, Uzbekistan
Tel:
(+998 71) 120 16 01 /02 /03 /04
Fax:
(+998 71) 120 16 08
Photographs of project beneficiaries:
Guzal, client of the Akdaria Local Development 2014
Local
Development Centre in Akdaryia: Lessons for beneficiaries.
Leadership
Training, 2014