On World Children’s Day, European Union and UNICEF Launch Joint Action to Support Youth to Become Change-Makers
The three-year initiative aims to address issues such as gender inequality, bullying, and cyberbullying by organizing workshops to develop skills in critical thinking, advocacy, and digital literacy among youth leaders and volunteers, reaching over 1 mill
Bishkek, 20 November 2024 – In celebration of World Children’s Day, the European Union and UNICEF announce the launch of the "Youth Rising: Kyrgyzstan’s Change Makers" initiative. This transformative three-year project aims to empower youth orgaanizations across the Kyrgyz Republic, strengthen human rights protection, combat gender-based violence, and enhance the capacities of youth organizations.
With a total budget of USD 1,240,990, the "Youth Rising: Kyrgyzstan’s Change Makers" initiative will focus on key locations including Osh city, Nookat, Bishkek city, Kochkor, Atbashy, Kyzyl Kiya, Suzak, and Talas city.
The overall objective of the initiative is to empower youth organizations to effectively address youth-related issues. A key focus will be on encouraging STEM education and challenging gender stereotypes. The project will also tackle critical issues such as violence in schools, cyberbullying, malnutrition, drug use, and other harmful practices affecting adolescents and youth. By targeting adolescents and young people aged 14-25 years, this initiative aims to create a safer, more equitable environment for all young people in the Kyrgyz Republic.
“There are almost 2.5 million young people in Kyrgyzstan. We believe that these youth have the potential to drive significant positive social change. This partnership and initiative with the EU will provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to make a lasting impact,” said Samman Jung Thapa, UNICEF Representative to Kyrgyz Republic.
UNICEF Kyrgyzstan is committed to ensuring the success of this initiative through strategic partnerships with government bodies, CSOs, educational institutions, and community groups. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, UNICEF aims to empower young people to become active change-makers in their communities.
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Notes to editors:
About the EU
The European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic have been partners since the country gained independence in 1991 and have continued to increase their cooperation and areas of interaction year-on-year. In the 2014-2020 period, the overall EU support to Kyrgyzstan amounted to EUR 263 Million, focusing on promoting sustainable development, education, rule of law, integrated rural development, and assisting the development of basic service infrastructure as well as supporting SMEs. For more information about the European Union visit our website and Facebook.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook.
For further information, please contact: Mavluda Dzhaparova, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Kyrgyzstan, +996 777 919 142, e-mail: [email protected]
