Opening ceremony of Rural Information and Resource Center "Choihona" was held in Akdarya district of Samarkand region in the framework of the project funded by the European Union on "Strengthening the institutional and organizational capacity of NGOs to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable women and youth in rural areas of Uzbekistan and improve their socio-economic status".
The event was attended by the Khokim of Akdarya, Samarkand region N. Suleymanov, representatives of the National Center for Socio-Economic Development "SABR", representatives of citizens' gathering and partner organizations, activists and mahalla employers.
During the event, participants familiarized themselves with the conditions created for women in the modernly equipped center.
The Rural Information and Resource Centers "Choihona" serve as open platforms for all residents of the district, where they can receive and disseminate information for free, as well as connect to the Internet, so they are called "Choihona". They are open to all visitors, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or physical disability. In addition, the project's counselors - psychologists, medical personnel, and lawyers - provide the necessary counseling (through hotlines and face-to-face meetings).
Currently, such centers will be established in 4 regions: in Akdarya and Urgut districts of Samarkand region, and in Buston and Izboskan districts of Andijan region on a project basis.
The main objectives of the project are:
Establishment and promotion of social cooperation and communication system between NGOs and local authorities to support poor families in rural areas, especially women and youth to protect their interests, including their safe and healthy lifestyle and the main goal of the project is to combat and prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Creation of opportunities for poor women and young people affected by COVID-19 in Buston and Izboskan Districts of Andijan Region, Akdarya and Urgut Districts of Samarkand Region to exit the crisis and obtain professional skills, employment, start their own businesses, use financial and information resources and obtain professional advice.
“Choihona” Rural Information and Resource Centers (RIRCs) is a new model of “SABR” organization, which does not duplicate the work of vocational education centers run by the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations and other relevant ministries. RIRC is an accelerated training course with specially designed modules for non-formal vocational skills trainings, as well as community social mobilization trainings aimed at increasing self-confidence, financial and business literacy of women and youth from low-income families.
SABR's experience in establishing 18 local vocational training centers in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations in 9 regions of the country showed that there is a high demand for accelerated learning courses for women and youth from low-income families.
The Accelerated Non-Formal Education Program is different from formal education, which prepares professionals for employment through diplomas and professional certificates. The grants, with total amount of 74,000 euros, will be awarded to women and young people who have acquired professional skills and knowledge of business fundamentals to help them start their own businesses and improve their families. Throughout the project, volunteer mentors help them implement business projects.
Representatives of communities, local authorities, district employment offices, youth agencies, health care, community and family organizations will develop leadership, communication, conflict resolution and mobilization skills for community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.