Tajik Youth Eager to Develop Business Skills
Millennium's Youth Business Development Program 2009
April 2010

In countries all over the world, children and youth have little in the way of marketable skills.  But in a struggling country like Tajikistan, the poorest of the former Soviet republics, many youngsters may need to begin working at a young age to help their families survive.

‘Aktam’ is 17 years old.  His parents passed away some years ago.  Thankfully, he and his brother and sister grew up together in their uncle’s house.  Aktam attends high school and lives in the school dormitory.  He is basically on his own now, and has to earn his own living expenses.

He didn’t have to go far to ‘find a need and fill it’.  He was quick to realize that there was a ready-made consumer group right outside his door.  He and opened a little stand next to the dormitory where he sells everyday goods to fellow students. He also works as a day-laborer whenever he has an opportunity.  You can tell Aktam is a very motivated young man; he wants to save money so he can study foreign languages in the University.

Here are his comments on the Millennium program: “I am very thankful to your organization, that you gave me the possibility to start my own business. This was a great help for me. I learned a lot from your lessons: about income, clients. This is a great help for me now. I found hope, that I can not only work for myself but help my family, too.”

Got Vision?  Make it Happen!
Furuz, Millennium’s micro enterprise program will help.
April 2010

Lack of employment is one of the main poverty issues in Tajikistan at this time. A large number of people want to work but are unable to find employment. Others may find work but at such a low salary that they are unable to live on it. While many are forced to leave the country in search of work, there are some who just cannot leave. They may end up moving from poorer, more rural areas to the wealthier urban centers, where they will look for work as day labourers or wheelbarrow pushers.

To help Tajiks struggling to provide for their families, Millennium started the micro-loan organization Furuz. Its purpose is to provide high quality financial services to the low income population, with a special focus on small business development.

The vision of Furuz goes beyond loaning money. We want our clients to succeed. We want to help them build businesses that have real potential to grow and prosper.  We want individuals, families and communities to begin to hope for a better future.

You “Wanna” Learn English?  Zafar did!
April 2010 

“When I first came to the English Club, I didn’t even know the alphabet.  Now I can speak about many topics in English.” 

Learning a second language, especially one used all around the world, can open new doors and opportunities for students in Tajikistan.

Millennium Development Partners’ Educational Development Project continues to develop and grow.  In 2009 there were over 100 students in the English Club Program and an additional 20 youth in the English Access Micro Scholarship Program sponsored by the United States Embassy.

The English Club students are a varied group, ranging from school age to working professionals.  Classes meet three times a week for a total of five hours of instruction.  We are using the New Interchange Series which focuses on four areas of learning:  speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Here are more comments from Zafar on how the English Club helped him:
”I am a 10^th student. When I first came to the English Club, I didn’t even know the alphabet.  Now I can speak about many topics in English.  I have a very good teacher, who can explain things so they are easy for us to understand.
My favorite part of the program is when we celebrate American holidays because I have learned a lot about American traditions.  If I didn’t come to the English Club, I would have been in trouble playing in the street with the bad boys.  This has given me a new chance.  Learning English is very beneficial to my life, and maybe I can find a good job in the future. Thanks to Millennium and the US embassy for our books, lessons, and [giving us] the opportunity to learn.”

Opening Doors through Computer Training
April 2010

The people of Tajikistan are eager to take their place in the modern world, and computers are definitely part of the modern world.  To help Tajiks who want to be part of the modern world Millennium Development Partners provides basic computer training.

Students in our computer courses receive instruction and hands on practice.  Upon completion of the course in 2009, 14 students were presented with certificates that have helped them in their job searches. Topics covered in the introductory course are:

• Introduction to the computer (basic parts of computer, etc.)
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Power Point
• Internet Explorer
• Adobe Photoshop

The teacher of the Computer Program is very encouraged with the opportunities this class is creating for his students; many of them have been able to find work using their new skills, in spite of the challenging economic climate.

Help! We need more computers!

Currently, the only limitation in expanding this program is funding.  More computers and more internet access would help tremendously in our efforts to meet the needs of those anxious to utilize modern technology.  There is definitely a demand!

If you can help us continue to help Tajikistan take its place in the modern world please see the options for donating on the Give page.