Context
Like many former Soviet republics, the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia is still going through a transitional period. Independence from the former Soviet Union has brought autonomy, but also economic and social problems. Young people aged between 14 and 28 account for one third of the population. They face unemployment, poverty, and an education and training system that is ill equipped to meet their needs. There are also insufficient opportunities for them to become involved in the country’s political life.
In 2010, violent clashes erupted in which young people played a prominent role. The authorities responded by setting up a Ministry of Youth Affairs, which has since been renamed the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Youth. However, it has so far had limited financial and technical resources at its disposal for establishing structures for youth work in the regions.
Objective
Young people aged between 14 and 28 have access to needs-oriented, attractive and sustainable activities generated by youth work. They can take part in the country’s political and social life. The responsible actors at all levels work together in the interests of young people.
Approach
GIZ works with its partners to improve the structures in the youth sector and enhance technical expertise in the ministry and in local government administrations. The project focuses on training experts.
Together with the partner organisation ‘Dostoyanie Respubliki’, the project is developing an in-service training course to enable employees of non-governmental organisations to qualify as youth leaders. Public employees from local government can gain qualifications as youth experts at the state administration academy. The curriculum covers current standard practices in youth work, such as gender-sensitive, intercultural and anti-violence approaches. In the practical sessions, the participants learn how to draw up strategies, action plans and promotional programmes, and how to apply for grants. A total of 40 people from youth organisations and administrations are attending the first training course.
In addition, the project supports the ‘Youth Work Organiser’ degree course at the Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture in Bishkek. South-South cooperation is always a key aspect. Trainers from post-socialist Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is facing similar economic and social crises, attend seminars with Kyrgyz colleagues where they share their experiences.
Results achieved so far
Initial results are visible in the project’s ten partner municipalities. The mayors and heads of department in the administrations have agreed to provide in-service training for their employees in youth work. As youth experts, they actively promote the interests of young people in their communities. They develop activities for young people and co-ordinate youth work with the local youth organisations. Some mayors have promised dedicated budgets for youth work in their communities.
Together with municipalities, communities and youth organisations, the partner organisation ‘Dostoyanie Respubliki’ is developing new, attractive pilot measures. A youth information office has opened in Karakol, headed by a youth expert who is attending the new training course. In Naryn, in the northeast of the country, a youth centre accommodates twelve local youth organisations. A youth TV channel will go on the air there in 2014, broadcasting to 57 municipalities and the town of Naryn.
The young generation is the key to the country’s development. ‘Prospects for youth’ has set in motion a shift in the mentality of all those involved. Youth work should no longer be delivered on a one-off basis, but should be sustainable and geared to young people’s needs.