Focus Group Discussions within the Framework of a Comprehensive Needs Assessment were conducted
A series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was successfully conducted as part of the comprehensive needs assessment in the Community Development Projects (CDPs) of Kok-Chu, Bolot Mambetova, Bel-Aldy, and Zhapalak located in Chui, Issyk-Kul, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The discussions brought together representatives of various community groups, including teachers, healthcare workers, parents, youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, representatives of local self-government bodies, and vulnerable population groups. The focus groups served as a platform for open discussion of current community challenges, identification of priority needs, and exploration of possible solutions.
The discussions covered issues related to education, healthcare, access to clean water and sanitation, rights protection, social support, employment, and income generation. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, access to basic services, improvement of living conditions, and strengthening the capacity of local communities.
The Focus Group Discussions enabled the collection of valuable qualitative information and ensured active community participation in the needs assessment process. The findings will be used for further planning and for developing practical programs and initiatives that are responsive to the real needs of the communities.
On June 4, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic handed over more than 7,000 pieces of new children's clothing to the Department of Social Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Dina Turmanbekovna Anarbaeva, Director of the Department of Social Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic; Cho Sunhyung, Country Director of Good Neighbors International in the Kyrgyz Republic; Chinarkul Aidarbekovna Tumenbaeva, Director of the “Kelechek” Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic; as well as staff members of the institution.
The humanitarian aid was delivered from the Republic of Korea and will soon be distributed among residential social care institutions throughout the country. We sincerely thank Ms. Dina Turmanbekovna Anarbaeva, Director of the Department of Social Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, for her cooperation and joint efforts for the benefit of children in Kyrgyzstan.
For us, it is especially important that every item provided represents not only clothing, but also care, attention, and support for a child.
Good Neighbors continues to work toward creating a better future for children and families in Kyrgyzstan by joining efforts with government institutions and partners.
On June 2, 2026, an official ceremony was held in Bishkek to launch the second phase of the Comprehensive Rural Development Project in the Kyrgyz Republic, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, KOICA, and Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic.
The event was attended by Mr. Rustam Baltabaev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic; H.E. Mr. Kim Kwangjae, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Kyrgyz Republic; Ms. Lim Soyeon, Country Director of the KOICA Office in the Kyrgyz Republic; Mr. Cho Sunhaeng, Country Director of Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic; as well as representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and partner institutions.
In their welcoming remarks, the distinguished guests emphasized the strategic importance of the Comprehensive Rural Development Project in the Kyrgyz Republic for the sustainable socio-economic development of the regions and highlighted the significance of further strengthening cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Korea.
During the ceremony, the key achievements of the first phase of the project were presented, along with the main directions of the second phase, which will be implemented in Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions.
It should be noted that one day earlier, on June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the second phase of the Comprehensive Rural Development Project in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The new phase of the project aims to support farmers and agricultural cooperatives, develop the processing industry, modernize rural infrastructure, establish a logistics center, expand access to microfinance services, and introduce digital solutions in the agricultural sector.
Together, we continue our efforts to promote sustainable rural development, improve the well-being of rural communities, and strengthen the agro-industrial potential of the Kyrgyz Republic.
On June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, KOICA, and Good Neighbors International signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the second phase of the Comprehensive Rural Development Project in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The signing of the Memorandum marked an important step in strengthening the partnership aimed at promoting sustainable rural development and improving the well-being of rural communities.
The second phase of the project will be implemented in Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions and will include support for farmers and agricultural cooperatives, development of rural and logistics infrastructure, expansion of access to microcredit services, and the introduction of modern technologies in the agricultural sector.
The project is a continuation of the first phase, which was successfully implemented from 2021 to 2025. During this period, significant achievements were made in increasing agricultural productivity, developing livestock farming, improving rural infrastructure, and raising the incomes of rural households.
The implementation of the second phase will contribute to the further development of the agro-industrial potential of the regions, strengthen the economic resilience of rural communities, and improve the quality of life of the population.