2021-2022 NC SED "SABR" with the financial support of the EU implemented the project “Strengthening institutional and organizational capacities of NGOs to respond to COVID-19 impact on the most vulnerable women and youth in rural areas of Uzbekistan and improve their social and economic status” aimed at improving the lives of poor rural residents , mainly women and youth, who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in cooperation with local governments and target communities of Akdarya and Urgut districts of Samarkand region, Buston and Izboskan districts of Andijan region.
Within the framework of the project, 3 SIRC "Choyhona" were created to work and provide support to the most vulnerable segments of the population, namely, women and youth. These centers provided training in professional skills at short-term courses in the following areas: sewing, national embroidery, computer literacy, hairdressing, confectionery, national crafts. All SIRC "Choykhona" are equipped with the appropriate equipment. For high-quality training of trainees and representatives of the local community, modules for mentors, TOT modules for project staff involved in three centers were developed. For mentors, coordinators, 5-day courses of master classes for advanced training and TOT trainings were organized for the purpose of high-quality training of students.
The success of the project was achieved through a number of activities:
*18 mentors and coordinators of SIRC "Choykhona" were trained at TOT trainings and master classes;
*657 local activists and representatives of local authorities participated in 12 information meetings held in all SIRCs of two regions;
*1185 poor rural women and youth were selected and trained in vocational and small business skills. 2-month courses on instilling professional skills were held in 6 popular areas: sewing, national embroidery, computer literacy, hairdressing, confectionery, national crafts;
*317 trained women and youth received start-up grants based on submitted applications and business plans to start their own business;
*177 stakeholders within the framework of the project participated in 12 mobilization trainings held in all SIRCs of two regions;
* a baseline study “Assessment of the impact of the project on beneficiaries and target groups” was carried out.