AKDN, Osh and Batken region administrations discuss projects supporting local development and digitalization

AKIPRESS.COM - Common efforts to foster the social and economic development of Batken and Osh oblasts were discussed with the leadership of two oblast administrations during the visit of Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the Kyrgyz Republic to these regions on 7-8 October.
Batken region Governor Akram Madumarov and Vice Governor Bayish Yusupov extended their appreciation to AKDN for its development efforts undertaken in their oblasts over many years. The officials particularly appreciated AKDN's support for regional development and digitalisation programme approved by H.E. Sooronbai Jeenbekov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic.
AKDN programmes in Batken and Osh oblasts include efforts to increase access to quality education, foster economic opportunity and financial inclusion, advance rural development and efficient natural resource management as well as strengthen civil society and local governance.
Members of the Alsyh-Dan-Organic cooperative in Kara-Bak village of Batken District presented their activities to enhance the export of dried apricot. Established by 17 farmers in 2008, this cooperative has now grown to 1,200 members with annual output of over 2,300 tonnes of organic and traditional dried apricot. The cooperative is working to obtain the Fair Trade and Global Gap certificates to access international markets.
Members of Boards of Trustees of 50 schools from across Osh town explained to Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha that they gathered for the first time to discuss ways of supporting their schools and share experiences. New indoor washrooms in the Babur school of Osh built with the BoT's support highlighted the contribution of trustees in the overall improvement of schools supported by the World Bank and AKDN.
Senior water department officials, community leaders and members of water user association in Yusupov and Chekabad villages of Aravan District shared with the visitor the results of the rehabilitation of the Kyrgyz Aryk canal undertaken with the support of UK/DFID and AKDN. The canal irrigates about 1,800 hectares of agricultural lands benefitting 12,500 people.
Accelerate Prosperity, an AKDN initiative and USAID supported the establishment of ololohaus in Osh, a co-working facility promoting the growth of creatively thinking entrepreneurs. The manager of ololohaus in Osh explained how they encourage the community of business people and professionals collaborate and join efforts to come up with innovative solutions to development challenges of society.
"I am impressed by positive social and economic developments in Osh and Batken oblasts. The determination and self-reliance of the people and responsiveness of civil society are most encouraging," Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha said.
At the invitation of Osh State University Acting Rector Kudayberdi Kojobekov, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha visited the Medical College of the University and interacted with its faculty and students.