Women Artisans from Central Asia Shine at the Creativeworld Trade Fair in Germany
Ten women artisans from Central Asia made their debut appearance at the Creativeworld Trade Fair, held in Frankfurt, Germany from February 4-7, 2023. The participants found new trade opportunities, including exporting fabrics, felt, silk, wool, and camel wool samples to countries like the U.S., Germany, Moldova, and Portugal. USAID’s Trade Central Asia activity and the Commercial Law Development Program of the U.S. Department of Commerce provided support for the booth design and travel expenses. The Creativeworld Trade Fair brings together designers, craftspeople, and artisans from 160 countries. A look book showcasing the craft practices of fifty small and medium-sized women-run artisan enterprises in five Central Asian countries will be created to promote the region's artisans both locally and internationally.
USAID Encourages Extracurricular Learning Among Kyrgyz Students Through Teacher Contests
In a bid to promote advanced pedagogical practices and identify talented teachers, the USAID "Okuu Keremet!" project organized a contest for primary grade teachers to develop the best reading and numeracy camp scripts. Out of 117 submissions, 23 were awarded, and their scripts will be published in a monthly newspaper for Kyrgyz teachers. These fun and engaging activities will be used by other schools during the upcoming summer holidays.
Kyrgyz Legal Authorities Sign a “Lawyer’s Creed” to Strengthen Professionalism
The General Prosecutor’s Office, Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice, the Association of Judges and the Association of Attorneys signed a memorandum to strengthen mutual professional responsibility among participants in judicial proceedings. The memorandum, known as “lawyer’s creed,” aims to increase professionalism, mutual respect, and ethical behavior. USAID’s Ukuk Bulagy project supported the development of this creed by funding Seana Willing, the Executive Director of the Texas State Ethics Commission, to come to Kyrgyzstan and work with Kyrgyz legal experts. The Association of Judges initiated the Memorandum to increase public confidence in the justice system. The Association of Judges also proposes developing publications and videos on the rules of conduct and considering including the principles of mutual professional responsibility in the codes of ethics for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers.
USAID Helps Kyrgyzstan Garment Producer Implement Enterprise Resource Planning
USAID is supporting Cool Bro's, a leading garment producer in Kyrgyzstan, in implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to manage operational complexity and expand product lines. The system enables setting production goals, tracking production data and defects, monitoring employee performance, and managing warehouse inventory more efficiently. The system is functioning in two departments, with plans to adopt it across all factory departments and two additional factories, benefiting approximately 600 jobs. The initiative is part of USAID's Future Growth Initiative to support economic growth and development in Kyrgyzstan.
Theater Performance for International Women’s Day
USAID’s Active Communities project supported a theatrical production of “Shelter” portraying the struggles of eight women seeking refuge from domestic violence in a small shelter. This cultural event was organized to raise public awareness of GBV and promote zero tolerance of all violence towards women. More than 800 people attended the play at the Kyrgyz State Academic Drama Theater in Bishkek, including Altynbek Maksutov, Minister of Culture, Information, Sport, and Youth Policy. The performance concluded with a discussion with the audience about harmful norms in society and how they influence the lives of women and girls.
Health Activists Use Behavior Change Techniques to Fight Infectious Diseases
Kyrgyz Ministry of Health’s special unit on promoting healthy lifestyle has started employing social and behavior change approaches to change population behaviors around tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The USAID Cure Tuberculosis project organized a training of trainers for 105 unit specialists, who will now share their knowledge with over 1,000 Village Health Committee members to promote desired behaviors around early diagnosis, treatment, infection control, and support of TB patients. The specialists were trained to use information dissemination, advocacy, and community mobilization techniques to help communities stay safe.
Apply Now for Youth CUP Program and Get Up to $10,000 Investment!
Accelerate Prosperity invites young entrepreneurs to apply for its Youth CUP pre-incubation program, which offers startups the chance to receive up to $10,000 in investments. The program is not restricted to any particular industry but gives priority to innovative and environmentally focused startups. Participants must be under 29 years old and have at least one proven idea with a team of two or more people. The eight-week program is free and will be offered in a mixed format. Applications are now open and will be accepted until May 10th.
Newly Trained Data Journalists Release their First Story
The USAID-funded Media-K project has selected newsrooms and freelance journalists for its long-term data journalism program after a training for new data journalists in January. Newsrooms including Tazabek, MediaHub, and T-Media, along with freelance journalists from Peshcom, have formed specialized data teams. Tazabek has already released its first story after the training. It analyzes major earthquakes in Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries with multimedia elements such as photos, video, and maps.
USAID Helps Woman-Owned Bakery Flourish in Remote Aksy District
Gulbara Topchubekova's confectionery business in southern Kyrgyzstan started in 2016 with almost no equipment. In 2021, she received a grant from USAID's Enterprise Competitiveness Project. With the grant, she was able to purchase modern equipment and increase production volume and quality. Her sweets are now sold in markets, grocery stores, schools, and kindergartens in five villages. Ms. Topchubekova has created 49 new jobs and plans to double her staff and expand her product line.
USAID-backed Job Fair Opens Doors for Hearing Impaired
USAID's Safe Migration in Central Asia project recently supported Public Foundation "Plus" in organizing a job fair for the hearing-impaired in Kyrgyzstan. The event aimed to boost awareness of safe labor migration and reduce the vulnerability of this group to human trafficking. The fair offered sign language interpreter services, job consultations and access to a range of employment opportunities. The fair provided opportunities for people with hearing disabilities to pursue their interests and utilize their skills.
