Regional Programme on Migration in Central Asia: "Start your own business"

On March, 21st to 26th, in the conference hall of hotel "Semetei" business training for the members of Community Funds of Talas, Issyk-Kul and Chui regions took place. The training passed under the module of the International Labour Organisation "Start Your Business". All participants are the beneficiaries of the Regional Programme on Migration in Central Asia (CARMP), UN Women.

In supporting to implement the of local efforts of the CF, Community Development Alliance (CDA) signed an agreement with the German Bureau for International Cooperation (GIZ) to provide training in the frames of the "Professional and vocational education" for the target groups of the region. The objective of the initiative is to prepare members of CF to write business plans and projects.
CDA, a strategic partner of UN Women, carries out social mobilization activities of vulnerable families of migrant workers through the creation of self-help groups (SHG), in the aim of bringing together the families of migrant workers in joint socio-economic activities to improve their lives.

The participatory groups developed about ten business ideas, four of which were presented on March 26 with the support of the organizers of the event and the participation of experts - representatives of “Companion” micro credit unit, and other credit organizations. They, in turn, noted that the projects are sufficiently well developed in socio - economic orientation, contain significant justification, supported by calculations.

After completing the presentations, discussions were held, credit experts asked questions, offered advice to improve the business plans. Several important and meaningful statements were voiced by the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Melioration, the member of the Grant Committee of UN Women in Kyrgyzstan.

"The importance and necessity of such training is obvious – in the past we were not able to correctly calculate the expenses or income. Through the five days of training, we became the economists! Of course, not everything was taken into account, but the presence of experts and support of the trainers has helped. Now we know what risks might stand behind the start of any business – but we will succeed! "- says Kermikan Uzenova, after the presentation of her project aimed to the opening a bakery shop, a member of the Community Fund, Toktonalieva village, Chui region.

The knowledge and experience in developing socio-economic projects the participants will share to self-help groups upon arrival in their regions. The southern region will undergo similar training in mid-April of this year.

Subsequently, the most successful business projects will be submitted to the Selection Committee, which was created under CARMP, and the best ones will be selected for co-financing by the Regional Programme on Migration in Central Asia, UN Women.