18 mar 2011

District meeting on the development of youth program in Asht district

Within the framework of the project “Mainstreaming Youth Policy Against Radicalism” funded by the European Union was held a district meeting in Asht district on the develop of youth program.

The aim of the meeting:

• development of the youth program for the target communities of Asht district (Kamyshkurgan, Shaydon, Pongoz), taking into account the specific social structure, local culture and religious beliefs.

The participants of the meeting were:

• Representatives of the District Committee of Youth, Sport and Tourism of Asht district,
• Representatives of local authorities,
• Religious leaders and community leaders,
• Directors of Schools of target communities,
• Representatives of international and public organizations,
• Media representatives: TV SM-1 and the newspaper “Soghd truth”.

The coordinator of the project, Tyuryaev J., made an introductory speech. He thanked all the participants for taking part in the event and familiarized the participants with the aim and objectives of the project.

During the meeting, Rakhmonov T., a project specialist, made a presentation of the project activities. He noted that the project is aimed at preventing the spread of radicalism among young people in the three target communities of Asht district.

Further, Tyuryaev J., project coordinator, said that within the project was carried out a regional meeting, where were identified the main areas of youth programs:

• Increasing knowledge on human rights
• Increasing knowledge about the laws (Law on Religion)
• Providing sufficient information about the existing religions

Based on the proposed areas, within the project activities, relevant activities will be developed, as well as youth programs for each target community.

Thereafter, all participants were divided into three groups: Kamyshkurkan, Shaydon, Pongoz and started to develop more detailed program for youth.

The presenter of the group Shaydon was the director of the school № 2 named after Lenin, M. Kodirov. In his presentation he noted that they had developed a program of activities for the young people of Shaydon community.

Also, M. Kodirov noted that Asht district is located in an information vacuum. Lack of local television channels, and poor newspaper provision in the district, complicate timely and accurate obtaining of information. In connection with the abovementioned words, Kodirov M. suggested to cover the activities of the project on local radio and in local newspaper “Shuhrati Asht”, as well as to conduct a study work with young people through the media, including coverage of laws, rights and responsibilities of the population through local media.

Further, the representatives of Pongoz and Kamishkurgan communities made presentations in which they also presented the youth program designed for their communities.

This meeting was held at a high level, where were used the following methods:

• Interactive
• Brainstorming
• Work in small groups.

At the end of the meeting was drawn conclusion, which was based on suggestions received during the meeting.