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.
Professors from Chungbuk University (Republic of Korea) visited Kyrgyzstan from June 26th to 30th, 2023, to monitor and evaluate the Integrated Rural Development Project in the Kyrgyz Republic, "Berekeluu Aymak." The purpose of their visit was to assess the project's effectiveness and its impact on improving the living conditions of communities residing in 30 villages in the Osh and Batken regions.
During their visit, they inspected various project facilities, including development centers, football fields, gas and water supply systems, health posts, drinking water reservoirs, paved roads, and kindergartens. The professors actively engaged with local farmers, learning from their experiences and gaining insights into agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic. It is expected that the monitoring and evaluation results will make a significant contribution to achieving the project's goals, playing a crucial role in project management through consultations and recommendations.
*Integrated Rural Development Project in Kyrgyz Republic, jointly with the Government of Kyrgyz Republic represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and KOICA, aims to reduce poverty in 30 villages over 4 years. It focuses on improving socio-economic conditions, promoting women's rights, sustainable agriculture, and advocating for rural development policies.
Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic has launched a large-scale project - "National Testing training for schoolchildren" (NTT*) for graduate students in 15 schools as part of community development projects. NTT* is a mandatory test that replaces entrance exams for admission to universities in Kyrgyzstan. The course lasts 3 months and includes preparation for the main test (Kyrgyz / Russian, mathematics) and a subject test (history, mathematics, biology, chemistry, etc.) at the choice of the student.
The NTT course covers 320 students from 4 regions of the country. Project goal: Increasing schoolchildren's access to quality education and assistance in enrolling in universities. The project will help our students enter universities, including state-funded places.
Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic on February 2023 finished the improvement of the Health Center in Mirnoe village at Kok-Chu CDP* (Community Development Project). The heating system was installed, and a better water supply system was provided, also needful facilities were given. Most of the residents of Mirnoe village couldn’t stay inside the health center while receiving medical check-ups in the winter season due to the absence of a heating system. With support from the Branch nowadays Health Center can be comfortably operated in any season. Providing development of infrastructure with the main objective to improve access to necessary services for the community and children mainly is always one of the priorities of Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic while implementing of CDP* projects.