04.11.2019   12:46

Within the framework of the 3rd phase of WPU Erayim’s ‘Introduction of a Combination of Traditional and Modern Approaches to Prevent a Conflict in the South of Kyrgyzstan’ project, supported by German international organization Bread for the World, a three-day training course was organized for the members of SHG Associations Kurmanzhan-Datka, Shark and Kerme-Too created in Shark, Mady and Kyzyl-Kyshtak municipalities of Kara-Suu district in Osh oblast from October 16 to 18, 2019 on the topic ‘Ways of Development of SHG Associations’. The training course was conducted by the chairperson of WPU Erayim R. Zhusupova and trainer A. Koshumbaev.

During the training, members of the SHG Association analyzed the development ways of SHG Associations, examined the spiritual and material aspects, discussed the opportunities and risks in the development and establishment of SHG Associations, and also received a detailed understanding of political regimes such as authoritarianism, totalitarianism and democracy. The training participants were provided with information on the ratings of countries by the index of democracy, where Kyrgyzstan ranks 98th among 167 countries and belongs to countries with hybrid regimes. Besides, they got acquainted with the results of work in four areas of 6 SHG Associations created from 80 SHGs of the Bazar-Korgon and Kara-Suu districts, implemented in the 2nd phase of the ongoing project. Further, the participants received information about the obligations of the SHG, SHG Associations, and also discussed the creation of the SHGs Federation and SHG Bank.

During the training course, Gulsun Borubaeva, a member of Datkayim SHG, a member of Kurmanzhan Datka SHG Association, proposed to nominate local councils from among active members of self-help groups for lobbying interests and solving local problems. A member of Gulbakhar SHG and Shark SHG Association made a proposal to motivate other self-help groups that are not yet members of the SHG Association to join Associations, work with interested parties, study strategic plans of ayil okmotu (a local authority) and, accordingly, conduct joint activities. As for the members of Kerme-Too SHG Association, they suggested writing small projects, participate in the events of partners, and conduct exchanging experiences for the development of the associations. In the end, members of the SHG Associations adopted the slogan “To unite in the Association is the beginning, to remain in the Association is development, and to work in the Association is a success”. Henceforth, the members of the above three associations set themselves the goal of reaching the level of the SHG Federation and opening a Bank of the SHG.

Erlan Davlatov, Osh oblast/strong>