LocationsEU and UNDP extend support to Afghan citizens temporarily residing in Surkhandarya Region
July 18, 2023
Tashkent, Uzbekistan – July 7, 2023 – The European Union has allocated an additional 1 million euros to extend the project "Enhancing the capacity of the Surkhandarya Region to educate and train Afghan citizens" for an additional two years. The project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Launched in January 2022, the project aims to provide vocational education and training to Afghan citizens temporarily residing in Uzbekistan, with a specific focus on youth and women. So far, 336 Afghans have completed professional courses at the Education Center for Training Afghan Citizens (ECTAC) in the Surkhandarya region, established by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. The additional funding will enable the project to reach more Afghan citizens and assist them in improving their livelihoods.
Over the next two years, more than 400 Afghans will study and receive training in high-demand professions, enhancing their employability. An exciting addition to the extended project is that successful graduates will have the opportunity to receive mini grants to start their own businesses.
"This project is a continuation of our previous initiative to support the livelihoods of Afghan citizens who have fled their homes," stated Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan. "We express our gratitude to the European Union for their trust and support, and we firmly believe that this project will help Afghan citizens improve their skills and livelihoods."
The extended project will primarily focus on providing vocational education and training in areas such as engineering, construction, agricultural entrepreneurship, food processing, management, nursing, and media technologies. Afghan citizens temporarily residing in Uzbekistan will also receive support in developing their business and entrepreneurship plans and activities.
“The European Union is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Uzbek authorities, the Afghan Training Centre in Termez and UNDP to support displaced Afghan citizens in Surkhandarya Region of Uzbekistan”, said H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union in Uzbekistan. “The initiative not only provides Afghan citizens with additional education and training, thereby supporting their livelihood, but it will also make their stay in Uzbekistan more safe and sustainable”.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of displaced Afghan families and, on a broader scale, the economy of the southern region of Uzbekistan.
