Camp empowers youth to change their communities

Teenagers involved with local NGOs and civic groups in Kyrgyzstan have been attending a unique summer camp in recent weeks, aimed at raising awareness about drug addiction and the dangers of HIV/AIDS. The camp is a United Nations initiative, involving several agencies. “In [the eastern town of] Taldu-Suu, the number of teenagers who are addicted to drugs is increasing. In the majority of villages there are no education projects to help with these issues, or even facilities for youth,” Daniyar, a 21-year-old at the camp on the shore of lake Ysyk-Kol in the east of the country, said, explaining why he was attending. More than 30 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s 5.1 million people are under 25, according to national statistics. But with 40 percent of the nation living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank, alcohol and drug addiction, labour migration, unemployment and exploitation are daily realities for many young Kyrgyz. “I have learned where to go to get support and how to identify problems in my community,” Nazira, a 20-year-old representing a community foundation from Batken province in the south, said. The camp is also trying to motivate young people and give them confidence to confront realities in their families and in wider society. The project is sponsored by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UN Volunteers (UNV). Those attending learn how to mobilise their communities, how to form effective teams and how to advocate for change. A key component is drawing up project proposals, including formulation of budgets. “A lot of young people feel that they are not part of society, they do not have access to land, education or opportunities. The purpose of this project is to give youth some confidence that they can change their situation, that they can improve the lives of others in their communities,” Edward Winter, a UN volunteer working at the camp, said. The NGOs represented at the camp are varied. One participant told how community action had improved the lives of local people in the central city of Naryn. “Last year, in our city, school children were being regularly robbed by gangs. Our NGO began working with the gang leaders, showing them the consequences of their crimes and helping them find legal ways of making a living. It worked, now school robberies have decreased a lot,” Omurbek, a shy 17-year-old activist told others at the camp during a session on tackling local problems. The programme is also trying to capitalise on youthful passion to effect local change. “Projects that these youth have developed do not take too much money, or too much organisation, just enthusiasm in most cases,” Julien Pellaux, a UNFPA information and advocacy officer, said. “We will be continuing this training and consider giving financial assistance to some projects. Though the aim is not to give financial assistance, it is to show that people can do a lot of things without much money. We need to get youth more interested in life,” Winter added.