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	<title>Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia</title>
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	<link>http://www.ef-ca.org?lang=en</link>
	<description>&#34;Building Institutions, Benefiting Individuals&#34;</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 09:30:11 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Request for Proposals to Conduct Trainings for Community Leaders In Tajikistan</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/request-for-proposals-to-conduct-trainings-for-community-leaders-in-tajikistan/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/request-for-proposals-to-conduct-trainings-for-community-leaders-in-tajikistan/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:01:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ravshan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[latest-news_en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[news-taj_en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tenders_en]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=5167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Summary Community leaders in Tajikistan are often the line of intervention for rural women experiencing problems with justice, and they often give unofficially advice to women who can ease or cause problems later accessing justice, for example in obtaining marriage certificates and other key documents. EFCA, which is the lead implementer of the Equal Before the Law program in Tajikistan, intends to support a series of trainings for these community leaders on practical approaches to decreasing women’s vulnerability to being denied justice, and increasing their knowledge to assist women when the seek justice. Trainings should cover family and administrative law, with a focus on documentation issues such as marriage and birth certificates, domestic violence, and problem divorce. As a result, community leaders will be expected to be more sensitized to potential problems, be able to give basic advice that aligns with national law, and will be more likely to refer women to qualified legal-assistance providers when appropriate. The winning bidder will design the training modules; identify and convene community leaders, in particular women and Jamoat leaders; and conduct the trainings during the period of June-November 2013. About EFCA–Tajikistan The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia – Tajikistan (EFCA &#8211; Tajikistan) was created in 2005 to better meet the needs of Eurasia Foundation’s local partners in Central Asia and to devolve management responsibilities to local staff. Based in Almaty, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Osh, EFCA &#8211; Tajikistan staff manage a broad portfolio of programs, developing local organizations via technical assistance and grants. Eurasia Foundation (EF) and EFCA &#8211; Tajikistan have invested more than $40 million in Central Asia to support local initiatives in community development, private enterprise, education and public administration. EFCA &#8211; Tajikistan staff have extensive experience in project design, implementation and oversight. EFCA &#8211; Tajikistan develops sustainable local institutions by assessing local needs and identifying motivated civic actors, mobilizing resources among public and private stakeholders and providing intensive capacity-building training to partner organizations. EFCA -Tajikistan partner organizations include community non-profit organizations, associations, universities and research institutions, among others. EFCA &#8211; Tajikistan works closely with national, regional and local governments in all of the countries where it operates. About EBL &#8220;Equal Before the Law: Access to Justice in Central Asia&#8221; is a program funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and implemented by the Eurasia Foundation and the Eurasia Foundation in Central Asia. EBL seeks to improve access to justice for vulnerable people by strengthening the ties between international and national law, and between national law and the actual experience of people, in the five former Soviet Central Asian republics. The program started in July 2011, and will run through December 2013. Task EFCA anticipates award, and start work, in early June, with all activities complete by the end of November. The training provider (trainer) will: design a 1-day training module, and simple assessment instrument, such as a pre- and post-test identify and convene community leaders in 10 districts, where EBL lawyers work conduct two trainings per district (total of 20) document the training Design The trainer will prepare a module for one-day training, with an emphasis on practical information that means leaders will be more aware of typical barriers to justice for rural women better able to provide basic legal advice, for example on how to obtain marriage and birth certificates and the legal rights of women suffering domestic abuse  more likely to refer women to qualified legal assistance, in cases that merit professional intervention While the training should cover basic legal issues, it should be on the whole practical, not theoretical, and focused on achieving the objectives. As such, interactive methodologies like role-play and guided discussion are encouraged. As well, the trainees should receive substantial information for future reference. EBL can provide brochures, lists of legal aid providers and other information, so the trainer should coordinate with EBL, seek materials from other sources and develop materials where non currently exist, with an emphasis on usability and readability. The design should be ready by June 28, 2013. Convene leaders The trainer will have access to the EBL network of NGOs and lawyers to identify and convene community leaders. The trainer should especially seek to involve women leaders, and trainings should be divided by gender when appropriate. In each district, 20-40 people are expected to be trained, in two groups (for a total of 200-400 trainees) Conduct trainings Trainings will be conducted from mid-July through mid-October, though EFCA would welcome a more compressed schedule. The schedule should take into account the availability of the trainees. The trainer will also be expected to conduct a pre- and post-training assessment at each event. Document trainings The trainer will provide EFCA with the training module and all materials, an analysis of the pre- and post-training tests, and recommendations for similar future trainings, by the end of November. On acceptance of this documentation, EFCA will close the contract and make final payment. Qualifications EFCA will evaluate trainers based on the following criteria: 1.     Narrative proposal (40%) Bidders should demonstrate an understanding of the training needs, propose an effective methodology and describe their evaluation plan 2.     Feasibility and cost (30%) Costs should be reasonable, and the budget should be accurate and take into account all expected expenses. The training provider should recommend a team and a workplan that demonstrates a feasible approach to completing the contract on time. 3.     Past experience (30%) Bidders should demonstrate past experience providing trainings and with the training subject matter. Letters of support, examples of training modules, and lists of trainings will all be good evidence. Proposal and Submission Instructions Proposals should contain the following sections: Introduction Methodology Past Experience Budget Annexes resume(s) of key personnel modules from prior trainings letters of recommendation Bidders should submit their proposal packets to Bahrom@ef-ca.org by May 3, 2013, with “community leaders training proposal” in the subject line. Bahrom will acknowledge all submissions by May 6; if you do not hear from him, he may not have received your proposal and you should resend. Questions [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/request-for-proposals-to-conduct-trainings-for-community-leaders-in-tajikistan/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
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		<item>
		<title>Civil Sector Capacity Building Initiative in Kazakhstan</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/projects/undef-contributes-250000-to-ngo-accountability-to-beneficiaries/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/projects/undef-contributes-250000-to-ngo-accountability-to-beneficiaries/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:44:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>pavel</dc:creator>
		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?post_type=portfolio&#038;p=5122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Project Summary The primary aim of EFCA’s “Civil Sector Capacity Building Initiative” is to improve the quality of NGO services and programs in Kazakhstan by strengthening the capacity of NGOs to effectively implement transparency and accountability tools and strategies which prioritize beneficiaries. In Kazakhstan, as elsewhere, NGO accountability is most often defined in terms of responsibility to the donor community The quality and impact of NGO services, NGO legitimacy within the community, and their potential for organizational sustainability often as a result. The project will address this issue by collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop NGO Accountability Guidelines which emphasize the accountability pillars of transparency, participation, evaluation, and self-assessment. Trainings, round tables, and the provision of small grants for NGO institutional development will serve to reinforce accountability principles and their practical application in NGO activities. The Initiative also engages the donor community in the campaign for more efficient, effective, and participatory programs and services from NGOs. The two-year project with UNDEF’s contribution of $250,000 will cover 14 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan plus Astana and Almaty. Expected Outcomes:  Outcome 1. Strengthened NGO capacity to implement accountability strategies and tools by 2015. Outcome 2.  Strengthened capacity of donor community to foster participatory accountability within the NGO community Outcome 3.  Increased public demand for increased accountability from the NGO community by 2015.  Contacts: Project Manager  – Gaukhar Kadirsizova E-mail: gaukhark@ef-ca.org Tel: +7 (727) 2501-810 (138) Communications Manager &#8211; Khalida Issayeva E-mail:  khalidam@ef-ca.org Tel.: +7(727) 2501-810 (129)]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/projects/undef-contributes-250000-to-ngo-accountability-to-beneficiaries/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>EFCA seeks applications for International trainer to provide ToT in Conflict Management for the USAID funded EFCA project “WOMEN’S PEACE BANK”.</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/efca-seeks-international-trainer-to-provide-tot-in-conflict-management-for-the-usaid-funded-efca-project-womens-peace-bank/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/efca-seeks-international-trainer-to-provide-tot-in-conflict-management-for-the-usaid-funded-efca-project-womens-peace-bank/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:07:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nurlanj</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[tenders_en]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=5082</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Terms of reference for International Trainer to provide ToT in Conflict Management for the USAID funded EFCA project “Women’s Peace Bank” Background  Founded in 2005 to extend local reach of the Eurasia Foundation and devolve management responsibilities, the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) is a leading NGO in Central Asia with established presence in three countries –Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. EFCA Kyrgyzstan currently employs over 30 staff with two permanent offices in Bishkek and Osh. The organization implements a broad range of projects funded by bilateral and institutional donors including USAID, World Bank, EU, the US and Finnish governments, and the corporate sector.  Relying on its understanding of local context and needs, EFCA has a proven track record in managing and delivering projects at grassroots level with best international standards. The organization is successfully building capacity of local communities through citizen participation and public private partnerships in order to strengthen local democratic governance as well as economic and social opportunities. EFCA projects include promotion of local transparency and accountability, conflict prevention, corporate social responsibility, youth empowerment, and inclusion of vulnerable groups (education and access to justice). For more information about EFCA and its programs, please visit www.ef-ca.org. Project summary Duration:          24 months (June 2012 &#8211; June 2014) Goal and objectives:    The project’s overall goal is: To restore confidence and build sustained peace in Osh and Jalalabad cities.  This will be achieved through two objectives: Greater cooperation and trust between women in communities recovering from conflict Increased role of women in promoting reconciliation and mitigating conflict Target areas:    16 territorial councils in Osh and Jalal-Abad cities of Kyrgyz Republic.   Target groups:  Members of Women’s Peace Banks (WPB), women’s initiative groups, consisting of women residing in Osh and Jalal-Abad cities    ToT in Conflict Management The training will be conducted as part of the project School of Conflict Management which is designed to give Women’s Peace Bank members and other community members practical tools to understand and resolve local issues causing tensions.  A key component of this activity will be the building of relationships and joint understanding, helping participants to appreciate each other’s position when future tensions arise. During ToT in Conflict Management the expert will provide selected members of Women’s Peace Bank members with expertise in conflict resolution and build their training capacity. The expert will conduct a training-of-trainers (ToT) focusing on helping local trainers to identify and exploit learning methods adapted to the target communities and groups. The expert will, ensure that the delivered training has genuine and sustained influence on the attitude and behaviour of target community members. Following the ToT in Conflict Management a series of five one-day workshops will then be delivered by the training participants in each community for approximately 20 participants, drawn from the WPBs and other community members.The workshops will focus on helping the participants to identify who they can use the knowledge and skills gained practically within their jobs and other roles in their communities. Particular focus will be placed on helping participants recognize the rumors and distortions and how to form balanced and critical opinions.     In cooperation with EFCA project team international trainer will conduct the following tasks: 1. Develop training materials, assist translation  into local languages: Kyrgyz and Russian 2.  Deliver a 4–day training of trainers (ToT) workshop that will be attended by 20 selected members of Women Peace Banks.  This will equip the participants’ with training skills and knowledge, enabling them to train community members in: Identification and, analysis of root causes of conflict Monitoring and evaluation of pre-conflict situations and stages of conflict escalation Methods of intervention for conflict resolution and non-violent communication Mediation, negotiation and consensus-building Management of inter-ethnic relationships Conduct assessment of the training and collect feed-back from participants Provide descriptive report on training and assessment results no later than 2 weeks after completion of training Deliverables (before the training): ·       Trainer will provide budget containing the proposed honorarium, transport and accommodation expenses ·       Trainer will provide training programme and agenda;  Logistics EFCA will cover local travel and accommodation arrangements for the trainer, which will be included in the contract honorarium. Translation services will also be provided.  Proposed dates of training:March-April 2013 Training place:Osh city, Kyrgyz Republic Expected results of the training: ·         20 participants will have in-depth understanding of conflict management and resolution; ·         They will be able to identify causes and dynamics of conflicts around them and in the communities; ·         Participants will acquire new skills in dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation; ·         Participants will be empowered to develop programme of the 1-day trainings on similar topics; ·         Participants will be empowered to deliver trainings to other WPB members and community members   Qualifications: ·         Graduate degree in International Affairs, Development, and Peace Studies, Psychology or comparable qualification in social sciences; ·         Minimum five-year  experience in participatory training techniques in conflict management and resolution; ·         Creative thinking skills to conceptualize best methods to educate and engage individuals within various ethnic groups; ·         Strong interpersonal and communication skills, negotiating skills, and  ability to cope with potential conflict situations; ·         Excellent command of English, knowledge of Russian is desirable but not compulsory    Application process: All interested candidates should send their CVs, cover letter and proposed budgets to frederick@ef-ca.org and cc: dinarak@ef-ca.org with the subject “International Trainer for ToT in Conflict Management”. The closing date for applications is Friday, 15th March 2013.    &#160;]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/efca-seeks-international-trainer-to-provide-tot-in-conflict-management-for-the-usaid-funded-efca-project-womens-peace-bank/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>UNDEF contributes $250,000 to NGO accountability to beneficiaries</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/efca-undef-civil-sector-capacity-building-initiative/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/efca-undef-civil-sector-capacity-building-initiative/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:44:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>pavel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[latest-news_en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[news-kaz_en]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=5077</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[5 March, 2012. Almaty. The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia announces the launch of the “Civil Sector Capacity Building Initiative” (CSCBI), supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund. The primary aim of the two-year project is to improve the quality of NGO services and programs in Kazakhstan by strengthening the capacity of NGOs to effectively implement accountability tools and strategies which prioritize community members.  In Kazakhstan, as elsewhere, NGO accountability is typically defined in terms of responsibility to the donor community. The quality and impact of NGO services, NGO legitimacy within the community, and their potential for organizational sustainability suffer as a result. The CSCBI is designed to initiate greater dialogue and collaboration within the NGO community in support of a new standard of accountability which emphasizes financial and strategic transparency, stakeholder participation, evaluation and learning, and self-assessment. The project approach emphasizes collaboration among NGOs and the donor community to support the development and implementation of voluntary accountability standards for Kazakhstan. Over the two-year project period a number of activities will promote strengthened NGO capacity to implement accountability strategies, as well as greater roles for donors and communities at large in contributing to the improved quality and impact of NGO programs and services. In the beginning of the project we will compile 2013 NGO Index and organize Stakeholders’ Summit, which will help to create “NGO Accountability Guidelines” for holding a series of trainings for NGO leaders based on these guidelines. Donor community will also form working group to present their perceptions of NGO accountability. One of the important milestones of the project is competition among 12 regional NGOs, which will receive small grants to implement accountability principles reflected in “NGO Accountability Guidelines” with the help of National Consultant. In 2014 we will use NGO Index to measure influence and advance in this issue. Final Conference and press-conferences will gather stakeholders and media for conclusions and defining perspectives for the future which will be noted in “NGO Accountability Handbook”. The project with a UNDEF’s contribution of $250,000 will cover 14 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan plus Astana and Almaty.   For more information, please contact   Gaukhar Kadirsizova, Project Manager Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia Tel. +7(727) 2501810 (138), 8775 443 52 75, gaukhark@ef-ca.org,   Khalida Issayeva, Communications Manager Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia Tel. +7(727) 2501810 (129), khalidam@ef-ca.org. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/efca-undef-civil-sector-capacity-building-initiative/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Call for Proposals – Authors for Research Reports  in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/call-for-proposals-tajikistan-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/call-for-proposals-tajikistan-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:10:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>pavel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[latest-news_en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[news-kaz_en]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[EFCA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Equal before the law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[survey @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women in rural areas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=5061</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the frames of Equal Before the Law: Access to Justice in Central Asia program, EFCA seeks national researcher/writers in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to produce reports based primarily on data from a quantitative survey and legal consultations concerning documentation problems experienced by rural women and their families. The deatails can be found here: EBL]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/03/call-for-proposals-tajikistan-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia  announces a tender among universities, think-tanks and research centers  in Almaty and Astana  to select a developer for a National Concept on Corporate Social Responsibility in the framework of the project “Developing a Unified Approach to CSR Promotion in Kazakhstan”, supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Astana</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/eurasia-foundation-of-central-asia-tender-among-universities-think-tanks-and-research-centers-almaty-astana-national-concept-corporate-social-responsibility/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/eurasia-foundation-of-central-asia-tender-among-universities-think-tanks-and-research-centers-almaty-astana-national-concept-corporate-social-responsibility/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:38:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>pavel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[tenders_en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[посольство Королевства Нидерландов @en]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=4994</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Detailed infornation about the tender can be found here: EFCA_tender]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/eurasia-foundation-of-central-asia-tender-among-universities-think-tanks-and-research-centers-almaty-astana-national-concept-corporate-social-responsibility/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia  announces a tender among universities, think-tanks and research centers  in Almaty and Astana  to select a developer for a National Concept on Corporate Social Responsibility in the framework of the project “Developing a Unified Approach to CSR Promotion in Kazakhstan”, supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Astana</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/eurasia-foundation-of-central-asia-tender-universities-think-tanks-research-centersalmaty-astana-national-concept-corporate-social-responsibility/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/eurasia-foundation-of-central-asia-tender-universities-think-tanks-research-centersalmaty-astana-national-concept-corporate-social-responsibility/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:53:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>pavel</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=5003</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Detailed information about the tender can be found here: EFCA_tender]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/eurasia-foundation-of-central-asia-tender-universities-think-tanks-research-centersalmaty-astana-national-concept-corporate-social-responsibility/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Young people get a unique opportunity to implement their ideas in Issyk-Kul</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/young-people-get-a-unique-opportunity-to-implement-their-ideas-in-issyk-kul/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/young-people-get-a-unique-opportunity-to-implement-their-ideas-in-issyk-kul/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 07:17:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nurlanj</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[news-kyr_en]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=4864</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Young residents of the Issyk-Kul region will be granted a unique opportunity to implement their ideas for benefiting local communities through their active participation in the YouthBank for Issyk-Kul project. Initiatives will be prioritized and run by young people and will be supported through a network of YouthBanks established in six localities across the Issyk-Kul province including Balykchy, Karakol,  Bokonbayevo, Tamga, Tup and Kyzyl Suu. The establishment and operation of six YouthBanks will be made possible with the support of Kumtor Operating Company, which regards the project as an innovative opportunity to promote sustainable development in Issyk-Kul province and one which will truly benefit young people and local residents. YouthBank is not a financial institution but a bank of young people’s ideas. Young people are involved in developing and running community initiatives for themselves. Each YouthBank is composed of a group of 8-10 young volunteers acting as a local grant-making committee. YouthBank members assess local needs, review applications from other young people, select and fund youth-led community initiatives. All young people aged 14-25 who have ideas to make a difference in their community are encouraged to apply. The YouthBank methodology is based on the promotion of core values &#8211; citizenship, capacity-building, and self-responsibility. It has a proven track record of success. Since its establishment in Northern Ireland in 1999, the methodology was implemented across different contexts around the world including Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. From March 2010-May 2012, the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) applied the concept to unite young people from divided Kyrgyz and Tajik cross-border communities. “Our young people learn how to gather ideas, how to attract and involve other young people in the work of the YouthBanks. I think it’s great that there is something like this that young people can engage in. I do not recall so many activities in our small town, and what is even more important is that one can do a lot with very small amounts of money,” said Tahmina Shermatova, member of one of the YouthBanks in the border region between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The project will be implemented by young people with assistance of EFCA for a duration of two years. From February 2013 to March 2013, EFCA will start conducting a series of training workshops across the Issyk-Kul province to reach out target communities and support young people with the selection of YouthBank members and the establishment of six YouthBanks. Youth-led community initiatives can include infrastructure rehabilitation, employment and training activities, as well as cultural, sport and social events.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/02/young-people-get-a-unique-opportunity-to-implement-their-ideas-in-issyk-kul/feed/?lang=en</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Research Center on security studies in Tajikistan is going to be established</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/01/research-center-on-security-studies-in-tajikistan-is-going-to-be-established/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/01/research-center-on-security-studies-in-tajikistan-is-going-to-be-established/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:57:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ravshan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[latest-news_en]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=4427</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;Continuing its work in the areas of Youth Radicalization and Civil Development in the Republic of Tajikistan, EFCA-Tajikistan is able announce it will soon be opening a &#8216;Centre for the Study of Civil Development and Security Issues in Tajikistan&#8217;, based at the EFCA offices in Dushanbe. EFCA-Tajikistan is in process of compiling the documentation for start of the project. The concept paper for the centre is available now. DRAFT EFCA-Tajikistan &#8211; Center for the Study of Civil Development and Security Issues 1. Goal: understanding of civil development and security issues in Tajikistan Will focus upon regionalism, migration, food security, radicalization, ethnic problems, youth issues, etc. Look to forge relationships / a network with other institutions / experts dealing with these topics in relation to the Central Asian region / Tajikistan. 1.1. Objectives: Network and cooperation Data bases and library Cooperation with stakeholders 1.2. Within these objectives EFCA -Tajikistan expects the following actions: To provide a forum and support network (contacts and logistical advice) to young social scientists working in Tajikistan; Create a unique archive of publications and education materials related to the fields of civic development and security issues in Tajikistan; Provide a venue for the public presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research papers in Tajikistan; Publish these papers and events on a dedicated website; Work with other local NGOs and overseas universities. Attract PhD researchers and interns to help manage and increase the output of the research centre. Build an international institutions [such as the OSCE] and local NGO partnership network and attract suitable donors, to raise the profile of EFCA-Tajikistan in the media, etc. 2. Projects Activities: Confirm a definitive working title for the centre. Prepare an information centre. Select a working committee for driving the project forward. Collate materials, publications and recent articles concerning civil society and security issues (such as conference papers from the Youth Radicalization conference). Draw up a checklist of young researchers specialising in the study of Tajikistan / working in relevant fields. Meet quarterly to discuss key topics / issues and new publications: publish minutes and new findings on the website; Use connections with the media for PR purposes [establish a media network] 3.Project background: This project seeks to address the need for an independent research centre that deals with the development of civil society and security issues, based in Dushanbe. Whilst there are a number of academic and government research departments both in Tajikistan and abroad, there is a lack of an independent forum that is actually based in Tajikistan, capable of co-coordinating publications and supporting researchers working in these fields. As a result, EFCA-Tajikistan has recognized the need for such a body to exist. Furthermore, considering the changing geo-security dynamics of the Central Asian region – with upcoming allied troop withdrawals from Afghanistan in 2014, there is likely to be an even greater interest and investment by the international community into related research and Tajikistan itself, in the near future. EFCA-Tajikistan is well placed to fill this gap and build an international network of donors and partner institutions: drawing upon extensive fieldwork experience [Ferghana Valley Youth Counterterrorism Initiative; Reducing Youth Radicalization Project] and a large network base.    The concept was originally discussed by Farangis Mamadieva at the EFCA-Tajikistan’s Reducing Youth Radicalization Conference, December 2012 and attracted significant interest from local and international stakeholders. 4. Project equipment requirements: The research will be conducted in the conference hall of the EFCA-Tajikistan office [equipped with a dedicated research library]. Research institutions need to be contacted to establish an exchange of information and research material on youth / general radicalization issues. Furthermore, cooperation with existing institutions shall be fostered. Preferably, partner institutions should be able to provide financial support to their individual student’s projects and research activities. Library resources à adequate shelving; workspace equipment; appropriate terrorism studies literature [hard and electronic copies] and up-to-date manuals on security situation in Central Asia / Tajikistan. A compendium list should be drawn up of literature to be stocked [kept up to date by an overseeing researcher – students can donate textbooks etc.]. Ideally, Christian Bleuer could help with this. 5. Project benefits: Facilitate original scientific research for the benefit of the academic community and NGOs operating in Tajikistan. Raise the profile of and bring increased international connections for EFCA-Tajikistan. Support social scientists working in Tajikistan by providing logistical, contact and publishing support. Raise awareness of and catalyze discussion of the work conducted by EFCA-Tajikistan and civil society issues in Tajikistan. Attract future project grants and generate innovative ideas for new projects: as well establish a guide to best practices in research and civil society activities in Tajikistan. 6. Risks and disadvantages of implementing project: mitigating strategies There are obvious challenges and risks that may be presented by establishing such a centre. However, with appropriate considerations and risk management strategies in place, these can be mitigated [advantages acquired will outweigh any risks incurred]. Ethical considerations: ensure ethical training is given, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics such as security issues. Could involve providing trainings to new researchers and a document-guide to ensure proper research is conducted. This will also require liaisons with home institutions and perhaps a written agreement to abide by an ethical code of conduct with EFCA-Tajikistan. Media relations: a good working relationship and reliable contacts with the media should be established – to ensure accurate and appropriate coverage is given to the centre. 7. Lists of prospective international partners other research centers, universities and think tanks: Middle East and Central Asian Security Studies (MECASS), Univ. of St. Andrews: &#60;http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/intrel/pg/mecass/&#62;. à Central Asian security issues / IR by world experts and links à with EFCA-Tajikistan through alumni staff connections.  CSTPV, Univ. of St. Andrews: &#60;http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~cstpv/&#62; à Radicalization issues and terrorism research – connections to leading à academics in this field and connection to EFCA-Tajikistan through interns.  The International Centre for the Study of Radicalization (ICSR), King’s College London: &#60;http://icsr.info/&#62;. IREX – Tajikistan: &#60;http://irex.tj/eng/index.php&#62; focuses on civil society, research /      education and independent media à valuable connections and provide researchers Central Asian Studies [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Representatives of local communities and NGOs will jointly fight corruption in Tajikistan</title>
		<link>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/01/representatives-of-local-communities-and-ngos-will-jointly-fight-corruption-in-tajikistan/?lang=en</link>
		<comments>http://www.ef-ca.org/2013/01/representatives-of-local-communities-and-ngos-will-jointly-fight-corruption-in-tajikistan/?lang=en#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:59:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ravshan</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ef-ca.org/?p=4377</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Training for community activists and NGOs from Khuroson district on &#8220;Corruption, its concept and essence&#8221; was held from January 10-12 in the office of the EFCA-Tajikistan. The anti-corruption event was implemented with the financial support of the Canadian Embassy in Astana. The training included discussions on the concept of corruption, and on how to combat it. Participants were familiarized with the legal framework regarding corruption, and received information on actions that the government has taken to counter corruption. Participants also discussed the strategy to fight corruption in Tajikistan by reviewing the Tajik legislation on corruption In addition, participants were shown films which presented the most common manifestations of corruption in the country. &#8220;The training was useful for me not only as the head of a public organization, but also as a citizen of your country,&#8221; said Marifat Hidiralieva, director of the NGO &#8220;Marifat&#8221; in Khuroson. &#8220;This is one of the major problems in today&#8217;s society and the outlook of people in relation to corruption needs to be changed.&#8221; Corruption is one of the biggest problems in Tajikistan. According to Transparency International, in 2012 Tajikistan ranks 157 out of 174 countries on corruption. After the training, each participant was required to conduct outreach with the people of his community in Khuroson district.]]></description>
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