Civil society projects in UZBEKISTAN

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1 INSTITUTION BUILDING AND PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME (IBPP) EuropeAid Civil society projects in UZBEKISTAN

2 Printed by the European Commission EuropeAid Development and Co-operation Directorate General Centralised Operations for Asia including Central Asia Rue Joseph II, 1000 Brussels, Belgium European Union, January 2011 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Neither the European Commission nor any person on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the content, views and use which might be made of the following publication.

3 FOREWORD EuropeAid The formation and development of civil society is an important topic in Uzbekistan as it is in most transition countries. Since 2002, the European Union in collaboration with the Uzbek authorities actively supports the strengthening of the Uzbek civil society through the Institution Building & Partnership Programme (IBPP), a small projects programme mainly addressing Uzbek non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The programme finances projects with a significant impact at a regional and a local level. The actions financed by IBPP have been successful in helping Uzbek NGOs in the provision of social services to vulnerable groups and in enhancing the participation of local people in decision making. I am pleased to have the opportunity to share with you the activities implemented by the six currently ongoing IBPP projects. Dirk Meganck Director "Asia and Central Asia" EuropeAid Development and Co-operation Directorate General

UZBEKISTAN EuropeAid The European Union is operating on a bilateral level with Uzbekistan as well as on a regional level together with the other four Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,

4 UZBEKISTAN EuropeAid The European Union is operating on a bilateral level with Uzbekistan as well as on a regional level together with the other four Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The cooperation between the European Union and the Central Asian countries is based on the document "The EU and Central Asia: Strategy for a New Partnership". This strategy, endorsed in June 2007 at the highest level by the Heads of State and the Governments of the EU, reveals the ambition of the 27 Members States and of the European Union to upgrade their relations with Central Asia by setting up an ambitious framework which combines broad political goals with targeted operational tasks. With more than 165 million in assistance since its independence in 1991, Uzbekistan is the second largest recipient of European Commission development cooperation aid among the five Central Asian countries. More than 190 projects have been implemented in Uzbekistan so far, covering a wide range of economic and social areas. The Regional Strategy Paper for Assistance to Central Asia sets up the framework of the cooperation between the European Commission and the five Central Asian States for the period This document, which is a fundamental complement to the Strategy for a New Partnership, identifies five main sectors of cooperation: poverty reduction, good governance, education, health, civil society and human rights. It allocates 32.8 million to Uzbekistan for the seven-year-period, whereas another 94.2 million are earmarked for projects at a regional level.

THE INSTITUTION BUILDING & PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME IN UZBEKISTAN The Institution Building & Partnership Programme (IBPP) has proven to be a successful tool for enhancing the participation of women,

5 THE INSTITUTION BUILDING & PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME IN UZBEKISTAN The Institution Building & Partnership Programme (IBPP) has proven to be a successful tool for enhancing the participation of women, children and the socially underprivileged as final beneficiaries. The 22 selected projects (out of the 87 projects submitted during the previous call for proposals) implemented in Uzbekistan since 2002 have allowed the development of new skills and techniques such as sewing, cooking and taking care of vulnerable people. Initiatives with a focus on social issues, such as helping women and handicapped people to create their own businesses, have had a positive local economic impact. Thus many women, formerly strongly embedded in family traditions, have learnt how to profit economically from newly developed skills to improve their living conditions. IBPP projects have in many cases sown a seed for debate. One initiative in Samarkand led to preventive action on violence against women and children. Other interventions provided ideas (pilot projects) that have been taken up in other regions by other stakeholders or donors, and at a national level. The IBPP programme evaluation undertaken in 2007 confirmed these findings and also elaborated on the noticeable commitment of project partners. The evaluation strongly recommended the continuation of IBPP in Central Asia in general and in Uzbekistan in particular. The upcoming call for proposals (to be launched in February 2011) will address two of the main challenges currently faced by Uzbek NGOs and local authorities when providing social services to vulnerable groups of the population in their communities: firstly, the need for capacity-building of NGOs and local authorities, including networkbuilding; and secondly, the insufficient funding for development of social projects at a local level.

Samarkand & Andijan EuropeAid Financial Education Program (FEP) for Low-Income Households The project will improve financial capability of low income households in Uzbekistan.

Lead Partner Microfinance Centre (Poland) Partners NAMOCU (Uzbekistan) Project Background In Uzbekistan, as in all transition countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, financial capability of

6 Samarkand & Andijan EuropeAid Financial Education Program (FEP) for Low-Income Households The project will improve financial capability of low income households in Uzbekistan. It will change negative attitudes towards family financial planning and provide solid knowledge on wise use of financial services. Lead Partner Microfinance Centre (Poland) Partners NAMOCU (Uzbekistan) Project Background In Uzbekistan, as in all transition countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, financial capability of individuals is low. This is linked to the heritage of a centrally planned system when people were discouraged from planning ahead their finances because of limited consumption opportunities and relatively stable incomes. Project Objectives The overall objective of the Financial Education Program (FEP) is to improve financial capability of low-income households through the creation of relevant infrastructure at local, regional and national levels. The financial education will improve significantly the financial behaviour of low-income households: they will plan for longer time horizons, they will save regularly, they will take smart debt decisions, and use accordingly financial services. It will help them protect their assets and inspire to build new ones, therefore reducing their vulnerability to poverty. Project Activities Local partners selection: building a national network; Setting up a national strategy for financial education; Regional orientation and capacity building workshops; Creation of 25 local advisory points. Facts and figures Total budget: (EU contribution: 20%) Duration of the project: 28 Months, March 2009 July 2011

7 Microfinance Center for CEE and NIS (MFC) MFC is a grassroots network of 110 institutions that plays an active role in shaping the microfinance industry. Members range from banks, non-governmental organisations, and social and commercial investors to development institutions and international Private Voluntary Organisations. All share an interest in microfinance, as providers of financial services, capital or technical assistance. The MFC supports members in different country contexts - including EU member states, Caucasian states and countries in Central Asia. Katarzyna Pawlak kasia@mfc.org.pl Association of Microfinance Organizations and Credit Unions of Uzbekistan (NAMOCU) The mission of the Association of Microfinance Organizations and Credit Unions is to consolidate the efforts of non-banking microfinance institutions. It also increases the quality and access of microfinance services by building the capacity of the microfinance sector as well as by creating an enabling environment for its development. Shukrat Nazarov info.namocu@gmail.com

Republic of Karakalpakhstan, Andijan, Bukhara, Djizak, Kashkadarya, Navoiy, Namangan, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Sydarya, Tashkent, Fergana & Khore Promotion of youth participation The project promotes

Lead Partner European Perspective (Greece) Partners FAOL (Uzbekistan) Project Background There are few institutions and support measures in youth policy providing for youth participation on a

8 Republic of Karakalpakhstan, Andijan, Bukhara, Djizak, Kashkadarya, Navoiy, Namangan, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Sydarya, Tashkent, Fergana & Khore Promotion of youth participation The project promotes youth participation in the civil society through capacity building and networking of youth networks and local youth NGOS in Uzbekistan. Lead Partner European Perspective (Greece) Partners FAOL (Uzbekistan) Project Background There are few institutions and support measures in youth policy providing for youth participation on a grassroots level. Moreover, youth NGOs and their staff are often lacking expertise and skills in planning and running projects, resources, fundraising, communicating and developing partnership relations with local authorities, media and other state and non-state actors for the purpose of promotion and enhancement of youth participation. Furthermore, networking among youth NGOs is very limited. Project Objectives The project aims at building capacities and leadership skills of youth networks and local youth NGOs. It also aims at the creation of local networking among them. Project Activities Five regional three-day thematic seminars; One four-day leadership training and contact making seminar; Study visits to and internships in Greece; Regional three-day youth conference; Establishment of a bottom-up youth policy evaluation mechanism. Facts and figures Total budget: (EU contribution: 65%) Duration of the project: 26 Months, March 2009 May 2011

9 European Perspective European Perspective is an independent NGO, founded in Athens in It is active in the field of international development cooperation, social economy and civil society. Its mission is to enhance development cooperation, to design, promote and realise actions and projects for the economic, social, environmental, cultural and political development of developing countries, as well as to support social economy, civil society and its institutions. Dimitrios Papangelopoulos FAOL FAOL is a youth NGO, founded in Tashkent in It associates with and relies on active local youth who try to change the life of their peers for the better. The main mission of FAOL is to improve living standards of youth by involving them in social, economic and cultural life and to contribute to building a civil society. Nigar Gapparova, nntfaol@yahoo.com

Tashkent, Kokand & Navoiy EuropeAid Promoting a Culture of Women s Rights An Integrated Project to Reduce Social Marginality and Empower Vulnerable Women The project orientated the beneficiary women

Lead Partner FORMAPER (Italy) Partners Lef-Italia (Italy) The Resource Center for Women Marta (Latvia) The Civic Initiatives Support Center (Uzbekistan) Project Background Women are often more

10 Tashkent, Kokand & Navoiy EuropeAid Promoting a Culture of Women s Rights An Integrated Project to Reduce Social Marginality and Empower Vulnerable Women The project orientated the beneficiary women towards self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship, to overcome marginalisation and poverty. Lead Partner FORMAPER (Italy) Partners Lef-Italia (Italy) The Resource Center for Women Marta (Latvia) The Civic Initiatives Support Center (Uzbekistan) Project Background Women are often more affected by processes of economic transition than men. This occurs in terms of higher rise in female unemployment, reduced social assistance, increasing burden of family care, and growing gender violence. The persistence of strong stereotypes in Uzbekistan makes the status of women particularly difficult. This is especially evident in the areas targeted by this action, characterised by strong patriarchal rules and the high vulnerability of the female population. Project Objectives The project helped civil society organisations to enhance the role of women in society by promoting a culture of women s rights in public institutions and by upgrading public services to vulnerable women (in the psychological, legal and economic dimensions of empowerment). Project Activities Setting up a civil network (local authorities, service providers, mass media and NGOs); Sensibilisation workshops for representatives of public institutions; Training and capacity building of the targeted NGO in: effective NGO management; job orientation and enterprise creation; and counseling the women help desks to deal with female victims of trafficking, exinmates recently liberated, victims of domestic violence, as well as other vulnerable women; Setting up three women help desks and three time banks; Creation of a labour market database. Facts and figures Total budget: (EU contribution: 79.8%) Duration of the project: 20 Months, April 2009 November 2010

FORMAPER- Agency of the Milan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft, & Agriculture Formaper is an Agency of the Milan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Craft, & Agriculture.

Its objectives are: promotion of entrepreneurial culture and values; design of methodologies and tools to facilitate the birth and development of new enterprises; and setting up services to support

it +390285154244 Lef-Italia Lef-Italia a member of the European Women s Lobby based in Rome - is active in lobbying for women s rights and interests.

women; women s diversity; feminist analyses of gender inequality; advice on gender legislation policy; as well as social dialogue. Ludovica Bottarelli Tranquilli-Leali m.tranquillileali@virgilio.

It encourages and supports the protection of women's rights and the improvement of the socioeconomic situation of women.

11 FORMAPER- Agency of the Milan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft, & Agriculture Formaper is an Agency of the Milan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Craft, & Agriculture. Its mission is to contribute to the development of entrepreneurship through information, training, research, and assistance. Its objectives are: promotion of entrepreneurial culture and values; design of methodologies and tools to facilitate the birth and development of new enterprises; and setting up services to support SMEs, especially through training. Olga Nogaeva Lef-Italia Lef-Italia a member of the European Women s Lobby based in Rome - is active in lobbying for women s rights and interests. It deals with issues such as eliminating sexism and multiple levels of discrimination against women; enhancement of women s economic and social position; women in decision-making; violence against women; women s diversity; feminist analyses of gender inequality; advice on gender legislation policy; as well as social dialogue. Ludovica Bottarelli Tranquilli-Leali m.tranquillileali@virgilio.it The Association the Resource Center for Women Marta The Association the Resource Center for Women "Marta" is based in Latvia. It encourages and supports the protection of women's rights and the improvement of the socioeconomic situation of women. It promotes the social integration of low-income women; secures support services for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; and develops broad cooperation between women's organisations. Mrs Iluta Lace iluta@marta.lv The Civic Initiatives Support Center The Civic Initiatives Support Center (CISC) is an NGO formed in 2004 in Tashkent. It is a member of the National Association of non-governmental non-commercial organisations of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NANNOUZ). The mission of the CISC is to support civic initiatives addressing the resolution of issues associated with the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, family consolidation, improvement of women s professional, creative and intellectual potential, as well as on assistance to broadening women's opportunities at the decision making level. Dilovar Kabulova Cisc2004@yandex.ru

Tashkent EuropeAid Improving Inclusion for Disabled Young People through Environmental Education Young people with disabilities receive environmental education courses with mainstream schools.

Lead Partner Field Studies Council, (UK) Partners BIOECOSAN (Uzbekistan) RCSAC (Uzbekistan) Project Background Disabled young people are educated in special schools in Uzbekistan.

12 Tashkent EuropeAid Improving Inclusion for Disabled Young People through Environmental Education Young people with disabilities receive environmental education courses with mainstream schools. They develop a more positive self image and the feeling that they can play a key role in society. Lead Partner Field Studies Council, (UK) Partners BIOECOSAN (Uzbekistan) RCSAC (Uzbekistan) Project Background Disabled young people are educated in special schools in Uzbekistan. The content of education in these schools differs from the academic programme in mainstream schools. The concept of inclusive education is relatively new in Uzbekistan and little attempt is made to integrate these young people with children from mainstream schools. Project Objectives The project aims at developing an inclusive approach to formal and nonformal education for young people with disabilities. They will develop a more positive self image and the feeling that they can play a key role in society. It also encourages wider society to have a more positive view of young people with disabilities. Project Activities Create learning facilities (an indoor and an outdoor classroom) specifically for disabled young people; Train a group of people to be environmental teachers for disabled young people; Develop appropriate programmes and materials; Run demonstration courses for mixed groups of disabled and mainstream school students. Facts and figures Total budget: (EU contribution: 79.7%) Duration of the project: 24 Months, March 2009 February 2011

13 Field Studies Council (FSC) The FSC (Field Studies Council) is an independent environmental education charity that works through a network of residential and day centres in the UK providing courses for schools and colleges at all levels. Leisure learning and professional development courses are offered through-out the UK. The FSC also works internationally in more than 20 countries supporting governments and NGOs in building capacity to deliver learning outside the classroom. Richard Dawson global@field-studiescouncil.org BIOECOSAN Republican Education-Methodological Centre for Youth, Bioecosan, is a study centre for school children in Uzbekistan, providing after-school classes in biology, ecology and health subjects. Bioecosan works under the Ministry of Public Education and has extensive experience in delivering different courses and running environmental clubs. Bioecosan includes 10 regional, 4 municipal and 86 district eco-centres. Khasan Buriev prof.buriev@mail.ru Republican Centre for Children's Social Adaptation (RCSAC) RCSAC is an independent organisation accountable to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Centre was created in accordance with the Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers in September The mission of the Centre is to coordinate the activities of national institutions in the area of providing social help to children from vulnerable groups. Djamoliddin Fazilov fazilov_rcsad@mail.ru

Kamar (Shakhrizabs) EuropeAid New jobs through the establishment of a rural cooperative and the supply of renewable energy The project provides access to renewable energy services for the population

14 Kamar (Shakhrizabs) EuropeAid New jobs through the establishment of a rural cooperative and the supply of renewable energy The project provides access to renewable energy services for the population of Kamar village, improving their living standards, supporting income generating activities (through the creation of small enterprises managed by the community), and promoting sustainable economic development. Project Background Lead Partner Athens Network of Collaborating Experts (Greece) Partners Association of Farmers of Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan) Access to energy is a precondition for the development of the rural areas of Uzbekistan. Today, about rural settlements are not connected to the grid and in most rural areas there is no reliable electricity supply. In the remote villages of the Kashkadarya province where the poverty rate reaches 41 %, lack of power reliability has led to growth of unemployment, decline in incomes and living standards, and an aggravated tendency for migration. Project Objectives The overall objective of the project is to improve the living standards of the rural population by promoting renewable energy, protection of the environment, and providing capacity building to the local population in order to ensure sustainability of project activities at community level. Project Activities Establishment and operation of small enterprises; Purchase of renewable energy systems (micro hydro-power plants, micro wind-power plants, solar collectors, photovoltaic panels and biogas plants); Capacity building trainings for the local civil society; Awareness-raising campaign promoting renewable energy and clean energy utilisation. Facts and figures Total budget: (EU contribution: 80%) Duration of the project: 24 Months, March 2009 March 2011

Athens Network of Collaborating Experts (ANCE) ANCE is an independent non-governmental, non-profit organisation for the support of the less privileged.

collaborators and volunteers for the promotion of sustainable development and the support of vulnerable social groups in the European Union and in developing countries. www.

org + 30108215343 Association of Farmers of Uzbekistan The Association of Farmers of Uzbekistan was established in 1997 as a non-governmental, non-commercial organisation.

15 Athens Network of Collaborating Experts (ANCE) ANCE is an independent non-governmental, non-profit organisation for the support of the less privileged. Being established in Athens in 1996 by a group of Greek experts in international development cooperation and technical assistance, today it maintains an extensive network of collaborators and volunteers for the promotion of sustainable development and the support of vulnerable social groups in the European Union and in developing countries. Ms Aspasia Kakari akakari@ance-hellas.org Association of Farmers of Uzbekistan The Association of Farmers of Uzbekistan was established in 1997 as a non-governmental, non-commercial organisation. It is engaged in protecting the rights of farmers, in promoting their products in domestic and international markets, in providing trainings, assistance and access to funds, etc. At present, 68% of farmers in Uzbekistan are members of the Association. Mr Tolib Sultanov tolib.sultanov@gmail.com

Baysyn & Pakhtakor EuropeAid Support of Women and Youth Entrepreneurship in Remote Districts The project addresses the needs of women and young people in the targeted Oblasts by supporting income

Lead Partner Centre for Business and Technological Development of Attica (KETA ATTIKIS) (Greece) Partners ELESMA (Greece) ANCE (Greece) UZACE (Uzbekistan) Project Background Growing unemployment and

The project builds on efforts being made by the government and other civil society organisations and international agencies to support self-employment (entrepreneurship).

16 Baysyn & Pakhtakor EuropeAid Support of Women and Youth Entrepreneurship in Remote Districts The project addresses the needs of women and young people in the targeted Oblasts by supporting income generating activities. It also provides capacity building to local business support organisations. Lead Partner Centre for Business and Technological Development of Attica (KETA ATTIKIS) (Greece) Partners ELESMA (Greece) ANCE (Greece) UZACE (Uzbekistan) Project Background Growing unemployment and falling living standards are major problems in Uzbekistan and are more pronounced in remote regions. The project builds on efforts being made by the government and other civil society organisations and international agencies to support self-employment (entrepreneurship). Project Objectives The project aims at contributing to job creation and therefore to the reduction of poverty by engaging in activities that will support and promote entrepreneurship among women and youth in Surkhandarya and Djizzak Oblasts. It also supports and strengthens civil society agents and local institutions that can act as alternative service providers to the needs of the unemployed, the women, and the youth. Project Activities Organisation of training for women and youth on how to set up a business, funding possibilities, cost structure, quality, etc.; Advisory support for pilot synergies and business coaching; Organisation of training of trainers on use of tools for supporting entrepreneurship. Facts and figures Total budget: (EU contribution: 80%) Duration of the project: 28 Months, March 2009 June 2011

17 Lead Partner: Centre for Business and Technological Development of Attica (KETA ATTIKIS) KETA is a specialised institution for the support and promotion of entrepreneurship. It is a non-profit company providing free services to the business community and potential entrepreneurs in the Attica region of Greece. KETA participates in initiatives for tackling unemployment, job creation (support for entrepreneurship), and relevant training and career advice. It is the main partner of the Greek Government for the social reintegration of marginalised persons (ROM), and for supporting entrepreneurship for women and youth. Ilias T. Georgopoulos director@keta-attiki.gr Hellenic Management Consulting Association (ELESMA) ELESMA is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2003 by 36 consulting companies - members of the Hellenic Association of Management Consulting Firms (SESMA). ELESMA facilitates the process of undertaking international projects and programs. ELESMA/SESMA is active in advising and lobbying the Greek government on issues such as rational fee schedules for consulting services, public procurement legislation, simplification of procedures in public administration to boost entrepreneurship, management of EU funds, e-government policy, etc. Ms Laura Arsenis sesma@hol.gr Athens Network of Collaborating Experts (ANCE) ANCE is an independent non-governmental, non-profit organisation for the support of the less privileged. Being established in Athens in 1996 by a group of Greek experts in international development cooperation and technical assistance, today it maintains an extensive network of collaborators and volunteers for the promotion of sustainable development and the support of vulnerable social groups in the European Union and in developing countries. Aspasia Kakari akakari@ance-hellas.org Uzbek Association of Consulting Engineers (UZACE) The Uzbek Association of Consultants, Engineers and Building Contractors (UZACE) is a non-profit organisation formed in UZACE s objective is to develop the engineering and management consulting profession in Uzbekistan and to disseminate foreign and national best practices to the consultancy sector. Mr Bakhtiyar Sadriddinov info@uzace.org

The EU funded projects

The EU funded projects managed by The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan International Business Centre, 107B Amir