12.09.2018  17:42

Within the framework of the WPU Erayim’s project, ‘The Introduction of a Combination of Traditional and Modern Approaches to Prevent Conflict in the South of Kyrgyzstan’, financed by the international German organization Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt), an intern from Germany Marie Robinski came to work on the sustainability of self-help groups.

She visited Mady, Shark, Kyzyl-Kyshtak village of Kara-Suu district in Osh oblast as well as Akman village and Bazar-Korgon of Bazar-Korgon district in Jalal-Abad oblast. Erayim is operating in all of these areas, having successfully established SHGs with women.

Here she met with several Self-Help Groups and talked about their experiences. Furthermore she held a training seminar on the topic ‘The Family Budget and How to Manage It’. She noted that the training in Jalal-Abad oblast was especially fruitful as participants showed a lot of interest in the topic and asked critical questions during the session. Given the mentality of the Kyrgyz people, family expenses are very high and are might not always be spent according to plan. The family budget suffers from celebrations, such as weddings, and sudden invitations to them. This has to be taken into consideration when talking about budget planning in Kyrgyzstan as the mentality, traditions and customs of the Kyrgyz people differ from other peoples. "I am aware of this, and it is interesting for me to ask people´s opinion and take into account the wishes and suggestions of the women I talk to. There is no one way to do things and I hope I could provide information that are useful to the participants of the SHGs.", said Marie.

She also added that the meeting with the SHG ‘Umut’ was interesting. She also received information about the groups organized within the framework of the project. Meetings with the children at the maternal schools were enriching: “So far I have had never taught Kyrgyzs children. They were kind, attentive and seemed to enjoy new input.” She was very kind with the children, teaching them English and playing with them. Coordinator of the Maternal Schools in Jalal-Abad oblast Dilfuza Nazaralieva noted that every meeting with the children left a good impression. She conducted special lessons for children. Wherever she was everyone wished they would see her again.

It should be noted that 7 of the 20 organized maternal schools in Jalal-Abad oblast are financed by the local budget. One of them private and the rest work on a seasonal basis. In general, they are visited by about a thousand children. International Public Foundation ‘Roza Otunbayeva Initiative’ actively helps the maternal schools in the acquisition of toys and educational supplies.

Baktykan Azhymatova, Jalal-Abad oblast