Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Today, the State Committee for Family and Women’s Affairs, the Surkhandarya region Khokimiyyat, the European Union (EU) and UNICEF launched a programme on expanded access to inclusive education, social services and legal aid in the Surkhandarya region.

EU contribution to the programme is Euro 1,600,000 (about 117 billion soums). UNICEF, in collaboration with the state ministries and regional authorities, is planning to reach about 35,000 people. The focus of the programme will be on children, youth and families in a difficult life situation because of some reasons including violence, forced resettlement from Afghanistan and other the most vulnerable groups. 

“This is a milestone intervention with a multilayered strategy aimed at boosting social cohesion and wellbeing of the local community, including Afghan people, by promoting shared spaces to interact, integrate and build solidarity. With this, the European Union shows its support to Uzbekistan and its endeavors to create a strong and resilient society, as well as to Afghans in need, also when in neighboring countries”, said Charlotte Adriaen, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

“When all residents in local communities, especially the most vulnerable, have equitable access to social and legal aid services, communities become cohesive, stable and prosper. Importantly, when makhallas have access to quality basic services guaranteed by the state they are more resilient to external shocks and vulnerabilities,” said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan.

The grant will pay special attention to the capacity of the social service workforce, who directly play a role in advancing social justice. The programme also includes components on inclusive multi-lingual preschool and school education, specialized legal aid services and a skills development programme for targeted youth.