ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 2019 THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 2019 THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements 3

News 4

Own funded projects 12

EU funded projects 18

UNICEF funded project 26

BMZ funded project 28

Local partners 32

Our team 34

THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN 2 Acknowledgements

Another year has passed and it has become a tradition to share our annual newsletter, which displays our highlights and joint efforts accomplished in the past year. I would like to use this opportunity to thank each of our partners and beneficiaries for the trust, support and confidence in our joint efforts. Without you, it would of course have not been possible to be able to share this newsletter full of achievements. I would also like to thank our government partners, ministries and local municipalities, the German government (BMZ), the EU Delegation in Tajikistan, local implementing partners and other international organizations, who have made such an incredible contribution to the development of an inclusive society. 2019 was a year of closure as we attempted to accomplish every one of our objectives that were set at the beginning of the organization. Thus, we began a new frontier with new directions and at a new level. I hope you enjoy reading about our successes and find inspiration for new endeavors. Happy New Year to you all and may 2020 bring new ideas and opportunities!

Parvina Tadjibaeva Country Representative The Branch of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan

Impressions after nine years

The Caritas office in Tajikistan had the pleasure of welcoming the first Country Representative of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan, Andreas Riesterer for a short visit. After not having visited for nine years, he was surprised by the development of the city and stated, “it’s amazing how Dushanbe has developed into a metropolis in recent years.” He was particularly impressed with the professional and personal development of the Caritas Office. Riesterer stated: ”Under the direction of Parvina Tadjibaeva, Caritas’ work has developed professionally, according to international standards. In particular, the establishment of structures based on the professional approach of Community-Based Rehabilitation with the consistent focus on the needs of affected. Their active participation in particular is very impressive. We can still learn from this approach in Germany as well. Of course, Caritas’ successful work in Tajikistan is only possible due to the entire Caritas team working with great professional and personal commitment. Congratulations on this work and continued success.” After his assignment in Tajikistan, Andreas Riesterer continues to work in the Caritas Association in Freiburg and is responsible for the areas of «Disability Aid and Community Psychiatry.”

THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN 3 Dushanbe hosts an International Disability Forum

On October 18, 2019, the first International Disability Forum was held in Dushanbe. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. The Branch of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan (Caritas Germany) provided technical assistance for the forum with financial support from the European Union. The forum, which was attended by high-ranking Tajik Government officials, representatives of relevant ministries and institutions and international and civil society organizations, aimed at promoting action, partnership and accountability to deliver lasting change for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Tajikistan. This forum strived for real change and marked the beginning of a national endeavor towards the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs, signed by Tajikistan in 2018. It also contributed to further strengthening the inclusive policy environment and the implementation of the rights of PWDs in Tajikistan.

NEWS 4 The participants of the forum unanimously adopted Among other proposals, Umeda Munavvarova, Caritas a declaration that states the following four strategic Germany’s representative proposed a suggestion to priorities for the disability sector by 2030 in order to introduce professional training for para-specialists increase innovation regarding PWDs in Tajikistan: in the specialization of social work in primary and 1) Better rehabilitation (assistive technology, secondary professional education institutions. This innovation and a unified disability information suggestion was warmly welcomed and included in system); 2) Better healthcare (PWD access to health Dushanbe Declaration on Disability issues. services); 3) Better education (PWD access to varying At the forum, Caritas Germany exhibited basic levels of education); and 4) More social protection, technical assistive devices produced by PWDs and more economic empowerment, more livelihood parents of children with disabilities who were trained opportunities (ensuring favorable conditions for the within the Community-Based Rehabilitation projects economic empowerment of PWDs). of the organization.

NEWS 5 A big step towards ratification of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities

On December 3, 2019, within the framework of the European Union Week in Tajikistan 2019, the Branch of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan provided technical support to the National Union of People with Disabilities of Tajikistan (NUPDT) to conduct a conference dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The conference titled, “Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their Leadership: Taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda” was aimed at sharing information on the work done thus far and making further contributions towards ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). While presiding over the conference, Asadullo Zikrikhudoev, Chairman of NUPDT noted that today’s event was made possible due to the initiative and direct involvement from all Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) of the country. He also noted that this was the result of the increase in PWDs’ rights advocacy trainings and workshops. These workshops were organized with the financial and technical support from the European Union and Caritas Germany for representatives of DPOs, associations of parents of children with disabilities and other stakeholders in various regions of the country.

NEWS 6 Addressing the conference, Shodikhon Jamshed, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan mentioned that as of today, there are 148,383 PWDs in the country, of which 28,320 are children with disabilities. He noted that a series of legal and normative documents concerning the protection of the rights of PWDs had been adopted and they must be adapted in order to create a legal framework for the ratification of CRPD. There is hope that today’s conference would give a new impulse to this process.

In her opening remarks, Marilyn Representatives from DPOs held Josefson, EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, presentations on topics such as focused on key areas of partnership disability, a legal framework for and cooperation between the EU sustainable development goals and and the Government of Tajikistan. CRPD, accessibility, education, She emphasized that among other employment and health. They also results, there were two drafted a road map for the visible results of bilateral ratification of the CRPD. cooperation between the The efforts made by PWDs EU and Government had once again proven that of Tajikistan. These they are capable and have two results are the the potential to take the development and lead in decision-making implementation of the processes, particularly in National Program for developing an action plan Rehabilitation of Persons for the ratification of the with Disabilities for 2017- CRPD. 2020 and the signing of This year’s conference was CRPD. Josefson stated, unique in that it made “our efforts empowered persons with informative materials available in audio, disabilities to take part in decision- Braille and sign language interpretation. making and today we witness how There was also a seating plan for high- DPOs are prepared well to take ranking guests and the conference leadership in ratifying CRPD.” included a diversity of participants.

NEWS 7 Support for the young movement

A group of six students from the European Union (EU) visited the on June 24, 2019 to learn about the achievements of a project jointly funded by the EU and Caritas Germany. The project is titled, “Supporting Civil Society in Applying Community-Based Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities in the Ayni District.” During the course of their visit, the students met with some young project beneficiaries whose lives had changed for the better after receiving rehabilitation services, technical assistive devices and small grants to start their own businesses.

The students also had the opportunity to speak with persons with disabilities (PWDs) and PWDs’ family members, who were engaged in practical exercises on fruit drying. The visitors were interested in hearing from PWDs how the fruit drying training would allow them to increase their household income. The visitors were especially impressed by the practical sessions of early intervention in Mother & Child rooms created by the project, which the students had the opportunity to observe.

The Donation of Braille textbooks to Tajik National Library

On February 14, 2019, the Branch of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan donated 49 Braille textbooks and 10 manuals on the rehabilitation of children with disabilities to the Tajik National Library. This large donation was achieved with financial support from the European Union. At the handover ceremony, which fell on the International Book Giving Day, Miralizoda Abdusalom Mustafo, Director of Tajik National Library, expressed his appreciation. He also considered the donation a valuable gift for the National Library, particularly for the Department of Service Provision for Persons with Disabilities. It was noted that an average number of 60 visits by blind persons is registered per week and the donated textbooks would allow them to increase their knowledge.

NEWS 8 CBR in Tajikistan – a good model for replication

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) was high on the organization’s ten years of experience in on the agenda at the international conference applying best practices of CBR in Tajikistan. The titled, “Future Rehabilitation: Social Approach,” conference participants acknowledged that this which took place on September 18th, 2019 in St. experience was very useful, not only for Tajikistan Petersburg, Russia. Caritas Germany, as a leading but also as a good model for replication in Russia. organization in applying CBR in Tajikistan, was able This is due to Russia having a large territory, many to demonstrate the dynamics of CBR development regions being remote from the centers and also the during 2009-2019. This was visually demonstrated severe climatic conditions in the country, which are with the help of a poster at the conference. Umeda an obstacle for the access of persons with disabilities Munavvarova, project coordinator from Caritas to obtaining quality rehabilitation services. Germany in Tajikistan, held a presentation via Skype

Promoting PWDs active participation in elections

At the request of the Branch of the German Caritas disabilities face and necessary measures that need to Association in Tajikistan, Dr. Bhushan Punani, be undertaken in order to create accessible polling Executive Director of Blind People’s Association places. Throughout the workshop, he provided of India conducted a workshop on “Accessible specific examples of accomplishments that were Voting.” The workshop, which was held on June made in his country. He also noted that all these 11, 2019 in Dushanbe, introduced a new and very successes were made possible by the initiative interesting topic to the attendees. Among those in and hard work of DPOs and CSOs. Asadullo attendance were representatives of Disabled Peoples’ Zikrikhudoev, Chairman of The National Union Organizations (DPOs), Civil Society Organizations of People with Disabilities of Tajikistan considered (CSOs), partner organizations and beneficiaries of this workshop contemporary and useful. He also Caritas Germany projects in Tajikistan. Mr. Punani expressed his commitment to use new knowledge in mainly focused on major challenges that voters with the upcoming elections.

NEWS 9 InclusiveInclusive summersummer campscamps forfor childrenchildren withwith disabilitiesdisabilities

At various times throughout the summer, The “ Support Center” and “Ehyo.” Branch of the German Caritas Association in A total of 250 project beneficiaries, including Tajikistan organized four summer camps in children with and without disabilities, children Sughd and Badakhshon regions, Rasht valley from poor families, parents and family and ravine. These camps were executed members and community rehabilitation with financial support from the European workers from Ayni, Shahrituz, Rasht and Union, UNICEF and Caritas Germany and Shughnon districts had the opportunity to with the technical assistance of its local partner experience a week of recreation during the public organizations, “ASTI”, “DARO”, “Shifo”, summer season.

NEWS 10 Many children with disabilities have never traveled included morning exercises, drawing, applique, bead outside of their district except to go to the hospital weaving, pottery, swimming, poem recitation, singing, and oftentimes remain at home due to their dancing, sport competitions and many other cultural, visual, hearing, speech, mobility and intellectual sport and artistic activities. Moreover, psychological impairments. The summer camp provided these consultations on proper upbringing of children with children with an enjoyable opportunity to socialize disabilities were provided for parents during quiet with other children. The recreational programs mainly hours.

During the farewell parties that took place in the evenings on the final days of camp, the children with and without disabilities demonstrated their hand-made products, recited poems, sang songs and performed dances and shows that were learned and prepared while being in summer camp. They were also awarded with gifts and certificates of recognition for their active participation in activities. Inclusion of children with disabilities in society, development of children’s skills and the promotion of peer support as well as improvement of parental caring skills were the main goals of the summer camps.

NEWS 11 The Project, which was officially launched in Caritas Germany September 2019 and will run until the end of donates heavy February 2020, also includes a number of disaster risk reduction activities, such as soil erosion prevention. machinery These activities include building terraces, planting fruit trees and bushes on steep slopes, creating to the Ayni District new orchards, building gabion walls on the most vulnerable sections of the Ayni-Kuhistoni On December 18, 2019, a handover ceremony took road, and installing traffic signs to reduce accidents. place, where a mini excavator was donated to the Ayni Moreover, simulations and drills are conducted for District. The ceremony was attended by the Country targeted villagers on how to behave and react during Representative for the Branch of the German Caritas mudflow and other natural disasters. Association in Tajikistan, Parvina Tadjibaeva, The Ayni is a sparsely populated mountainous district Head of the Ayni Unit of the Committee on Emergency located in the north of Tajikistan with villages prone Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of to various natural disasters. There are 67 villages the Republic of Tajikistan, Mirzoshohiyon Mirzoshoh, in the district and 40 of these villages are prone to and representatives of partner organizations. The natural disasters including mudflows, avalanches, mini excavator was procured within the framework landslides, snowfalls and rock falls. These natural of the Caritas Germany funded project on “Long- disasters put people’s lives in danger and disrupt the term Action on Emergency Prevention in Four Main agricultural and livestock practices in the region. Vulnerable Jamoats of the Ayni district,” known as From April – June 2019, heavy rainfall has resulted “The Project.» The donated machinery is intended for in several mudflows, landslides, avalanches and rock the clean-up of mudflow derivation canals and other falls. According to data from the District Unit of works required during and after emergencies in all the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil villages in the , Shamtuch, and Fondaryo Defense, 1,216 households with 5,640 members live jamoats. within the affected areas.

OWN FUNDED PROJECTS 12 Caritas Germany helps vulnerable families overcome difficult life situations

Social problems, such as poor poverty in the Badakhshon region. for the project’s social workers, living conditions, unemployment, Among many other activities, the who helped her family overcome family conflict, malnutrition,project provided personalized their difficult situation. As a result and lack of childcare skills and social support to 35 families with of the project interventions, her knowledge are often observed children in difficult life situations brother gave up alcohol and began among poor families. Theseusing a case-management earning money as an unskilled problems negatively affect the approach. worker. Nazarsulton was admitted psychological and emotional Fifty-year-old Nazarsulton is a to a vocational training course wellbeing of all family members, member of one of the beneficiary on sewing and completed it particularly children and their families living in the Medenshor successfully. She is pleased that she mothers. In order to strengthen village of the Shughnon district. was awarded with a certificate and the community’s capacity in the Her difficult life began after she can now bring in extra income for field of social work and improve went through a divorce and her family. the quality of social services for returned to live in her father’s home families and children in difficult with her daughter. Her brother did life situations, Caritas Germany not work and often came home in Tajikistan together with the drunk, which created conflicts in regional public organization, the home. Her father’s disability “Ehyo,” implemented a one-year pension was the only source of social work development project. income for the family. Nazarsulton The project was launched in stated that she “was always the Shughnon district, which is depressed and felt like a burden reported to have the highest rate of on the family.” She was thankful

OWN FUNDED PROJECTS 13 CompanionshipCompanionship createscreates aa moremore meaningfulmeaningful lifelife

Caritas Germany’s long-time socially-isolated elderly through satisfaction. partnership with the local Caritas participation in this process. This Seventy-five-year-old Tatyana is Tajikistan led to the development experience has been shown to be one of the project beneficiaries, and implementation of a unique quite successful and mutually- who after the collapse of the Soviet project titled, “Preparation for beneficial for both groups. Some Union, lived alone due to her only Adulthood - Supervision for notable accomplishments of the son abandoning her to move to Success”. The project was built project are legal counseling and Russia. She was already retired and around the idea of creating support, vocational training had a troublesome life for many mutually-beneficial interactions years, both economically and between two vulnerable groups emotionally. Tatyana overcame - socially-isolated elderly and her periods of sadness and orphaned youth. The elderly were depression and returned to leading former attendees of the Social a meaningful life after joining the Center, which was established project. Her cooking skills allowed with funds from Caritas Germany her to actively interact with the in 2009. The youth were 9th-11th youth. She currently conducts grade students from boarding through government structures and cooking classes for the orphaned school No.1 in Dushanbe and the preparedness for higher education. youth at the boarding school boarding school in the These aspects have had a huge No.1. Tatyana stated joyfully, “I district. The aim of this interaction impact on the life of the orphaned don’t feel alone anymore and get was to develop companionship youth and their ability to develop inspired when the students call me between the elderly and orphaned independence. Equally important Tatyana-khola (Aunt Tatyana) and youth in order to prepare the is the impact that the project has ask questions about the details of youth for a future independent life. had on the socially-isolated elderly cooking and ask for advice on their The project also aimed to create participating in the project, who future independent life.” a more meaningful life for the have received enormous emotional

OWN FUNDED PROJECTS 14 Twenty-nine-year-old Shokirova parent involvement. The project Enabling Gulnora, who lives in the B. allowed parents to join in the district, is the mother play-group activities. It also of a son with cerebral palsy. Twice prepared and trained them to parents she had brought her six-year-old be able to provide home care for son to the Regional Health and their children after leaving the of CWDs Rehabilitation Center for CWDs 16-day stay in the Center. The in the (hereinafter outcome of the project was that to believe referred to as the Center). During 342 mothers of CWDs, including each visit, her son underwent a Gulnora, were trained to work in their three-week course of treatment, as animators in play-groups which helps him remain calm. and mother and child rooms. children’s At the Center, children used to For training purposes, a mother receive more medical preventive and child room was established treatment than rehabilitation at the Center and equipped future services. However, this change with necessary furniture and has helped mothers be able to developmental toys as part of the The vast majority of parents rest, share experiences with other project. lack an understanding of what parents and feel that they are not “After joining the project, I constitutes a disability and alone in facing the challenges that understood that mothers are the how one is able to live with come with being a parent of a best trainers for their CWDs,” the challenges that come with CWD. says Gulnora. She believes that having one. Upon learning of a From July 2018 to June 2019, uninterrupted rehabilitation child’s disability, 99% of parents Caritas Germany and the exercises at home helped improve experience panic, followed by public organization, “Payvandi her son’s quality of life. She is depression. They typically believe shahrvandi,” implemented pleased that her son is now able to that medical treatments are the aCommunity-Based independently sit, stand leaning only available options and are Rehabilitation (CBR) project. The against wall, ride a tricycle, unaware of other approaches to goal was to improve the quality of build pyramids, play with other improve the lives of their children CWD care and promote CWDs children and pronounce simple with disabilities (CWDs). development through a higher words that he could not do before.

OWN FUNDED PROJECTS 15 Preparing for independent life

On June 13, 2019, a ceremonial event was organized at boarding school No.1 in Dushanbe to mark the closing of the project, “Help Yourself (School of Life).” The project was funded by Caritas Germany and implemented in partnership with the public organization, “Zumrad.” The students at the boarding school were able to demonstrate their new knowledge and skills in the fields of tourism, sport, housekeeping, art, theater and music, which were gained as a result of project.

OWN FUNDED PROJECTS 16 The event included sporting competitions, occupations. A series of theoretical and chalk drawing, as well as masterclasses practical activities allowed the graduates to on hiking, transporting injured persons, prepare themselves for a successful transition confectionery, quilling and a concert program. to a complex independent life, to be able to A total of 140 students from grades 4-9, take initiative, and to strengthen their social teachers and mentors at the boarding school network. One of the main project tasks was and volunteers from providing support the public organization, to the students to be “Zumrad,” attended the able to successfully event. An innovative socialize and integrate aspect of this project into society. This was was the fact that former accomplished through graduates of the boarding the introduction school became involved as of their rights and leaders for the sport and abilities and through music clubs. the development of The project was designed to provide legal their skills required to live independently in and psychological assistance to the students, society. The project provided the students and also to ensure social protection through with social knowledge and practical skills, the involvement of state structures, public which will increase opportunities for them to organizations and media. They also received receive education, income and employment assistance with identifying potential after leaving the boarding school.

OWN FUNDED PROJECTS 17 Children with disabilities surprised to see Santa Claus

In Tajikistan, it is still common celebrate New Year’s Eve. Most of today that parents feel shame or the CWDs, who were attending guilt for having children with this type of public event for disabilities (CWDs). This the first time, were surprised causes parents to attempt to see Santa Claus, Snow to hide their children Maiden and a Christmas tree from view and prohibit decorated with toys and lights. them from leaving the home. The event included various This social exclusion prevents games, poetry recitation, CWDs from participating in singing and dancing as well daily social actives which would as New Year’s congratulations allow them to enjoy their rights by local government and and develop their abilities. civil society representatives. To change the attitudes and The performance shown behavior of parents and by the artists of the State enhance social inclusion of Puppet Theatre made a deep CWDs, more than 300 residents from all corners impression on CWDs. The event ended with of the Shahrituz district, including CWDs a handover of New Year gifts to CWDs who and their parents and caregivers were brought were reluctant to leave the hall and wanted to together in the district’s Palace of Culture to continue celebrating.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 18 THE HUGE IMPACT OF A CBR WORKER

Malika Qodirova is 37 years A clear example of her hard of him. Within a period of ten old and lives in the Chorshanbe work is the progress that was months, Malika visited Bakhtiyor village in the Shahrituz district. made by 19-year-old Bakhtiyor at least twice a week, conducted Working as a nurse at the Rural Mahmadqulov who became a rehabilitation exercises and created Health Center, she is very familiar beneficiary of Malika’s in July 2018. a daily routine for him. The project with the health conditions of her Due to his physical and intellectual also provided a wheelchair for villagers, particularly persons with impairment, Bakhtiyor was not able Bakhtiyor that allowed him to disabilities (PWDs). Realizing to walk at all, and remained lying integrate into mainstream society. that drug therapy is not a proper in bed all day and socially isolated. Now, Bakhtiyor no longer needs solution to improve the quality He could not manage self-care and his mother’s assistance and he can of life for PWDs, she volunteered relied on his mother to take care handle daily activities, including to become a Community-Based personal hygiene by himself. He Rehabilitation (CBR) worker within learned how to effectively use his the European Union and Caritas wheelchair and thus is able to leave Germany funded project. Malika the house independently to meet actively attended all CBR trainings friends, visit relatives and attend conducted by the national and public events conducted in his international trainers and acquired village. The CBR worker’s exercises the required knowledge and skills. also helped Bakhtiyor start She has provided rehabilitation walking by holding on to a wall service for 22 PWDs over the last or a wheelchair, even sometimes two years and the impact of her without any support for short work is highly appreciated by her distances. community.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 19 Making technical assistive devices for charity

Sherali Hayitmatov is a devices (TADs), motivated in Sherali uses various locally 59-year-old man and the part from his prior welding available materials to make father of four children, who and carpentry skills. Thus, he TADs. Every PWD has his or lives in the village in actively attended all relevant her special need, therefore, the Shahrituz district. His trainings and cross-visits Sherali always consults with primary reason for joining the organized by the project and physical therapists, parents, European Union and Caritas became a skilled master of CBR workers and PWDs Germany funded Community- TADs. themselves. He is very careful in Based Rehabilitation (CBR) At his own expense, Sherali measuring and always tests the project at an early stage was his purchased necessary tools and TADs before handing it over for eldest son’s disability. Acting opened a small workshop in use. It is sometimes required as a CBR worker, he learned his house, where his disabled that he attach additional belts a significant amount of new son also helps him produce to corner chairs or add some knowledge and skills revolving and repair TADs. According extra polyurethane foam to around disability, which to Sherali, baby walkers and make it more comfortable for allowed him, first of foremost, corner chairs are the some of a disabled child. As a rule, to help his paralyzed son walk the most in-demand TADs. PWDs or parents of children better and more confidently. He also receives numerous with disabilities will bring the Later, Sherali displayed a requests for wheelchair repairs required materials and Sherali great interest in becoming a as they often break due to poor makes or repairs TADs for free, master of technical assistive road conditions in rural areas. doing it as a charity work.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 20 Raising awareness about disability among the general public Together with the Shahrtuz life of PWDs. Local Government Authority, an The event began with a photo educational, cultural and sports event exhibition of PWDs, whose lives dedicated to the Day of Disabled and drastically improved after receiving Elderly People was organized on June rehabilitation services. The exhibition 28, 2019. The event took place in the displayed handmade crafts, district center with participation from particularly toys made by PWDs. It persons with disabilities (PWDs), also demonstrated educational and children with disabilities and their scientific materials on social work parents and caregivers from all and social rehabilitation of PWDs. jamoats in the district. A wheelchair basketball match The aim of this event was to raise between the teams of Dushanbe and awareness and develop positive Bokhtar cities was held with the focus attitudes and a sense of respect towards on promoting sports and healthy persons with disabilities and social lifestyle among PWDs. The event work professionals. This was achieved was concluded with an inclusive through displaying the achievements entertainment program during which of PWDs, and the role of social work the local talents recited poems, sang professionals in developing personal songs and showed performances and abilities and improving the quality of dances.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 21 “Shahnoza is completely a different girl now”

Seventeen-year-old Shahnozai Mazhabsho, a resident her grandmother with household chores, such as of the Revad village of the Ayni district, is one of a cleaning, cooking and fetching drinking water from set of twins who was born blind in her right eye and the spring Her grandmother stated that she “now deaf in her right ear. Due to the difficulties of raising consider[s] Shahnoza a very useful and helpful member twins in addition to other young children, her mother of the family” and that “she is always well-groomed left after Shahnoza’s birth and she was cared for by and manages personal hygiene independently.” She her grandmother. Her grandmother had brought her also added that she remains involved with the CBR to an eye and ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist program so that Shahnoza can continue vocational when Shahnoza was an infant and then a second time training in sewing. when she was five years old. However, unfortunately all efforts to restore her vision and hearing were unsuccessful. The grandmother became disappointed and lost hope after the doctors had informed her that Shahnoza’s problems were birth defects and the treatment could negatively affect her other eye and ear. Shahnoza had learning difficulties, did not obey teachers and disturbed others in class. Therefore, she only received primary education up to the fourth- grade and was expelled from school after repeated complaints about her disruptive behavior. Her grandmother remarked that, “she could not manage her personal hygiene and was always dirty all day.” She also added that she used to consider Shahnoza useless. Today, Shahnoza is a completely different girl. The Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) worker who visited her once a week helped not only Shahnoza to manage her day, but was able to change her family’s and neighbors’ attitude towards her. Every morning, she gets up early, tidies up and helps

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 22 Supporting persons with disabilities in creating a sustainable source of income

Due to a lack of higher allowed Ibrohimbek to earn an plan on “Establishing an education, many persons with income. Information Technology disabilities (PWDs) are left In order to empower PWDs Service Center in the with difficulty in acquiring to lead independent lives, village” among the ten best. descent work in Tajikistan. the European Union and He was then also provided Ibrohimbek Murodov is Caritas Germany Joint Project with a laptop, a 3-in-1 printer 23 years old and is a PWD, carried out a series of income and a DVD/CD duplicator to who was born with visual generating activities in the implement his business idea. impairment in the Urmetan Ayni district. This project Ibrohimbek is pleased to be village of the Ayni district. He included 75 PWDs, including currently earning around was only able to finish primary Ibrohimbek, as well as family 3,000 TJS a month, which education and was barred members of PWDs from allows him to feed his family from continuing his studies all jamoats of the district. independently. He states that due to his disability. It was During the final training on there is a high demand for only by his own efforts and writing a business-plan, it was his services, which include strong will that he learned how announced that through the cell phone repairs, flashing to work with computers and project, ten in-kind grants and unlocking cell phones, cell phones. With this skill, he would be provided for the best connecting pay TV channels, was able to provide cell phone business ideas. scanning, copying and repair and unlocking services The project’s evaluation team printing, as well as copying to his fellow villagers, which found Ibrohimbek’s business- DVDs and CDs.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 23 Celebrating the International Children’s Day

On the eve of World Children’s Day, which in which children with disabilities (CWDs) takes place annually on June 1st, the Branch and their parents/caregivers participated of the German Caritas Association in actively and received prizes. These games Tajikistan organized an inclusive cultural and were intended to foster the mental, emotional entertainment event in Zarafshon jamoat of and physical development of CWDs as well the Ayni district. This event was executed as improve parents’ and caregivers’ childcare with financial support from the European skills. Union and Caritas Germany. The kindergarteners of No.1 in the Ayni The event was deemed a success with its district performed a cultural program that inclusivity and having brought together included poems, songs, dances and shows. The more than 200 participants. Local program covered topics such as patriotism, a government representatives supported mothers’ love, peace, unity and friendship. the children and their parents /caregivers The Puppet Theater from the city of Buston with their active participation made a deep impression on CWDs through throughout the event. their educational and entertaining shows. For The event began with a number of most of the CWDs, it was the first event of various interesting outdoor games, this kind of which they had ever attended. with titles such as, “Who Does a The event was wrapped up with a screening Lot,” “Who is Faster,” of a series of short video clips about CWDs “Find the Toy,” who had led successful lives. These videos “Mother’s Hands,” aimed to encourage CWDs to pursue higher “Bag Throwing,” etc., education and vocational training.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 24 Vocational training provided for persons with disabilities

Thirty persons with disabilities (PWDs) from of the Ayni district. The job fair resulted in two all jamoats of the Ayni district had taken part in attending PWDs securing permanent jobs. free vocational training courses that specialized The new vocational training center consists in sewing and cooking-confectionery. These of three rooms. One of the rooms is used as courses are based at the new vocational training a training hall for theoretical classes, while center in the district center, which was established the other two rooms are used as a kitchen for with financial support from the European Union practical cooking lessons and a sewing room and Caritas Germany. Upon completion of these for hands-on exercises. As part of the project, courses, which each run for three months, the all necessary equipment, such as tables, chairs, best graduates were awarded with certificates sewing machines, an iron, a refrigerator, an acknowledged by the Adult Training Center in electric stove, a baking oven and various other the Ayni district. These certificates allow PWDs equipment was provided to the vocational to find better job opportunities in the local labor training center. Before equipping the center, market and lead independent lives. On October an analysis of the labor market was carried out, 23, 2019, the certificate award ceremony took which determined the most in-demand jobs in place in conjunction with a job fair in the center the region.

EU FUNDED PROJECTS 25 The dreams of Morning Flower Community Mobilization and Community Based Rehabilitation project in Rasht helped a young girl to fullfill her dreams.

«I always wanted to go to school gave up on trying to learn what she Lately Sahargul was invited to and be like other girls. I always wanted. attend the event dedicated to the wanted to learn reading and In March 2019, she was offered to day of Persons with Disabilities and writing...» join the Community Mobilization participated in the Inclusive Camp Sahargul, whose name is translated and Community Based organized within the framework of as “morning flower” had a dream. Rehabilitation project in Rasht the project. She wanted to learn embroidery that started one month earlier. “When I saw basketball players and and become a dressmaker. This This project is funded by United girls dancing on wheelchairs, I got so year, she gained her power and Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) inspired.” finally made it. and implemented by Branch of Months after Sahargul joined the Sahargul is 17 y.o girl with disability the German Caritas Association project, she had changed. Closed, who lives in Kochon village, in Tajikistan in partnership with shy and sad girl is now talking jamoat of . She lives Public Organization “Gharm with confidence and has a light in with her father, step-mother and Support Center”. her eyes. She joyfully tells about step-sister. Sahargul never attended The project aims at providing what she learnt and achieved. She school full-time. She visited school children with disabilities with also wrote her own biography in only twice. First time at the age of Community-Based Rehabilitation a notebook. She underlined that 15 y.o in order to learn an alphabet, home-based services; increasing soon she will learn dressmaking as but when school year started she the level of awareness among well. had to quit. Second time she went community institutions, “I want to become a dressmaker. to the neighbor village school, but organizations and individuals And I believe that I will!” it took 2 hours to walk. Sahargul on disability, and enhancing always wanted to go to school just active participation of persons Source: like other girls and to be able to with disabilities, with a focus on https://www.unicef.org/tajikistan/ read and write. But she had to stay women, youth and children with stories/dreams-morning-flower at home. disabilities and their families in the As she didn’t go out a lot, the community. only thing that made her busy Since she joined the project, was knitting. She also wanted to Sahargul with the help of the learn embroidery and become a community rehabilitation dressmaker. But when she asked worker learnt to read and write, people refused to help. Sahargul embroidery and canning skills. She was very disappointed and she also improved her walking.

UNICEF FUNDED PROJECT 26 Impelling local people to raise disability awareness

Between October 10 and October 29, 2019, six PWDs’ artistic talents, change societal attitudes of theatrical performances took place in targeted PWDs, accept PWDs as full members of society, jamoats in the Rasht district to raise public educate and raise awareness, promote positive awareness around disability issues. Theseperception, and increase respect for the rights and performances attracted a total audience of over dignity of PWDs. 500. The performance scripts were written by Tajik artists, Shodi Soleh and Nurullo Abdulloev, with titles such as, “There will be a wedding party at our home, too” and “Generosity to friends…“ However, the roles were played by local people, including persons with disabilities (PWDs). The shows mainly reflected the topics from the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child and on the Rights of PWDs. The main goal of these performances was to involve PWDs in cultural events, discover and enhance

UNICEF FUNDED PROJECT 27 Developing social work in Tajikistan

On May 30, 2019, the Tajik National Nikolaevna, the President of the Russian University held a conference on “Social Union of Social Pedagogues and Social Work Development Tendencies in Tajikistan: Workers on “The role of associations of social Problems and Their Solutions.” The workers in enhancing the status and prestige conference was held with the technical and of the social work profession” made a deep financial support from the Branch of the impression on the participants. The best German Caritas Association in Tajikistan practices of this organization provided great and the German Federal Ministry for examples for associations of social workers Economic Cooperation and Development and other stakeholders in Tajikistan to follow. (BMZ). It was attended by representatives The conference concluded its work by making from relevant ministries and departments, the following recommendations for social national universities, international and public work development in Tajikistan: Develop and organizations as well as representatives from adopt a law on social work; review the national Kyrgyzstan and Russia. The purpose of the qualification framework on social work based conference was to consolidate the efforts on social workers’ competencies; review the of science, practice, and the community standards for the training of social work; in the development of social work as a be inclusive of new specializations, such as profession. The conference also aimed to social pedagogues, rehabilitation workers and analyze the national and foreign experience case-managers in the national qualification of professional associations of social workers framework; bring all public organizations in order to increase the prestige of the social engaged in social work under one union and worker profession in Tajikistan. develop a strategy for the union’s activity for The presentation by Dashkina Antonina the upcoming years.

BMZ FUNDED PROJECT 28 Disseminating advanced shoemaking technology

In July 2019, the Branch of the German Caritas learn how to cut out patterns and sew pieces of the Association in Tajikistan organized a five-day shoes together, both by hand and with the machine. shoemaking training course for six persons with PWDs worked with large parts of the shoes, which disabilities (PWDs) from its target districts. The included attaching soles with glue or nails. They also training was aimed to enhance the PWDs’ knowledge performed fine finishing work, such as shaping the and skills of advanced shoemaking technology. soles once they were attached. This training also included the teaching of the foot On the last day of the training, each participant anatomy structure, which must be taken into account independently made their own pair of shoes, using when preparing tailored orthopedic shoes. high quality and natural materials. After completing The training program consisted of both theoretical the training, they were also awarded a certificate, which and practical exercises. The participants were able to would enable them to pursue further employment.

BMZ FUNDED PROJECT 29 State educational standards for social work improved

The current state of the professional education Social Protection of the Population, Ministry system for social work is not meeting the of Education and Science, Ministry of Labor, demands of the field of social protection. The Migration and Employment of the Population, problem is that the bachelor’s level curricula Tajik National University, Adult Training Center for social worker training are outdated due to of Tajikistan and experts in the field of social having not been reviewed for the last 10 years. work. The main goals of this working group In addition, the curricula for secondary and were to review, analyze and improve the existing primary professional level social worker training curricula as well as develop new ones for social is nonexistent. Therefore, there is a current need worker training at all three levels. to improve the training for the field of social work The highlighted achievements of the working at all three educational levels. group over this period include the following: In May 2018, the German Federal Ministry • A revised and improved state standard on for Economic Cooperation and Development the specialization of the “social work profession” (BMZ) and the Branch of the German Caritas for bachelor’s level. Association in Tajikistan funded a project titled, • The development of state standards on “Enhancing the Vocational Training System and the specializations of the “social work profession” Previously Established Structures in Community- for master’s level, “social worker” for secondary Based Rehabilitation in Tajikistan.” The project professional education level through professional provided technical assistance to establish an colleges, and “social worker assistant in the field Inter-Ministerial Working Group that included of social services for people with disabilities and representatives from the Ministry of Health and elderly people” through vocational schools.

BMZ FUNDED PROJECT 30 Expanding CBR in Kyrgyz Republic

Early in June 2019, the Branch of the to improve interagency coordination on German Caritas Association in Tajikistan disability issues and to train 30 community launched a six-month Community-Based rehabilitation workers. Among social Rehabilitation (CBR) project in Kyrgyz workers, the community rehabilitation Republic. The initiative was funded by the workers included nurses, teachers, parents German Federal Ministry for Economic of children with disabilities, and community Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and activists. Moreover, nine local craftsmen implemented in partnership with the public were trained to produce technical assistive foundation, “The Center for Protection and devices and a system to provide community- Development of Vulnerable Groups.” The based rehabilitation and early intervention pilot area is in the Leilek district, which is the services to 85 PWDs and their families was most remote area from the center and lays established. These were established in the on the border of Tajikistan. The project is district that includes Isfana, Kulundu and aimed to introduce CBR to the neighboring Sumbula jamoats. country and to build up the capacity of the Our neighbors were pleased to have the local social institutions in order to provide opportunity to take over the project and to home rehabilitation services for persons promote the concept of home rehabilitation with disabilities (PWDs). services, which will help improve the lives of Within a short period, the project was able to PWDs and foster a more inclusive society in establish a District Coordination Committee their country as well.

BMZ FUNDED PROJECT 31 Our local partners

Caritas Tajikistan Dushanbe , Tajikistan Tel: +992 44 620 21 74 Email: [email protected]

Public organization “ASTI” , Tajikistan Tel: +992 92 777 15 90 Email: [email protected]

Public organization “DARO” Khujand, Tajikistan Tel: +992 92 929 06 07 Email: [email protected]

Public organization «Zumrad» Dushanbe, Tajikistan Tel: +992 93 544 20 43 Email: [email protected]

Public organization « Shifo» Shahrtuz, Tajikistan Tel: +992 885 55 66 15 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN 32 Public Organization “Payvandi shahrvandi” , Tajikistan Tel: +992 92 758 50 08 Email: [email protected]

Public Organization “Gharm Support Center” Rasht, Tajikistan Tel: +992 90 774 22 96 Email: [email protected]

Regional Public Organization “Ehyo” Khorugh, Tajikistan Tel: +992 93 593 98 00 Email: [email protected]

Public Foundation “Center for Protection and Development of Vulnerable Groups” Osh, Kyrgyz Republic Tel: +996 0550 58 12 04 0776 58 12 04 Email: [email protected]

THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN 33 Our team

Parvina Tadjibaeva Coutry representative

Nigina Davlyatova Umeda Munavvarova Project coordinator Project coordinator

Shuhrat Negmatov Samariddin Bahriddinov Training coordinator

Marhabo Ibragimova Zarinamo Mukhtorova Administration,HR manager Program Manager

Hakim Mamadnazarov Naimjon Shorahmonov Driver

Shohida Atabaeva Nazokat Akilova

Regional coordinator

Huriya Khisomova Training Facilitator

THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN 34 The branch of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan expresses gratitude to all partners for trust and support!

ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 2019 Written by: Samariddin Bahriddinov Contributed by: Johannes Ludwig Edited by: Parvina Tadjibaeva Proofread by: Megan O’Neil

Designed by: Alibek Musabekov [email protected] Printed by: PE «Gulchekhra Akhmedova» [email protected]

THE BRANCH OF THE GERMAN CARITAS ASSOCIATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN www.