DUSHANBE, August 2, 2016, Asia-Plus — Within the Youth Empowerment Toward Sustainability and Change” (YES to Change) Project framework, Public Organization (PO) “Madina” in partnership with the DVV International has trained over 420 young people of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) on “Start and Improve Your Business” agenda.
According to the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, the next follow- up step was individual consultations to the graduates to develop their business proposals and take part in the grant competition. As a result PO “Madina” has received 230 project proposals, which passed through initial assessment resulting in selection of the 38 ones for review of the Grant Committee. The Grant Committee, consisting of the official Project stakeholders has nominated 21 to financial support.
The ceremony of grant awards notifications to the 21 winners, representing 6 districts of GBAO in participation of representatives from the Donor and Coordinator organizations and local Project partners, took place on August 2.
The supported projects reportedly intend to create new jobs and to improve economic level of the youth households. Activity-wise, the projects’ focuses are: dress sewing workshops (3); carpentry (3); welding (2); hairdresser and beauty salon (2); auto services (2); poultry and animal breeding (3), bakery (4); public bath (1) and a language learning center (1). The preliminary assessment of priorities concluded high market demands for the applied types of services in the respected districts.
The business lady, Nasiba Qambarova, intends to expand her training courses for young ladies of Khorog and help annually 60 young and beginner entrepreneurs to initiate their own business and create new jobs. The group works from 2012 and has positive reputation within the local state authorities: they have enough constructive cooperation with local and regional headquarter offices.
The next (2nd) round of project proposals’ submission, review and financing will follow up. NGO “Madina” encourages young entrepreneurs of GBAO to take part in the coming competition(s) that enhances the role of youth in sustainable development and change. To take part in the call, potential applicants may contact consultants in GBAO districts, or via business consultant’s hotline at “Madina” office.
In March 2015, with support from the European Union, the Institute for International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association (DVV International) initiated a new 3-year Project called “Youth Empowerment Toward Sustainability and Change” (YES to Change) within the framework of the EU “Peace Building Partnership Program.”
The project is funded by the European Union (494,096 Euros = 80%) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (130,904 Euros = 20%). The Project activity targets 7 districts of Gorno Badakhshan and its capital town Khorog.
