Tajikistan
- We've worked in Tajikistan since 2007, partnering local organisations and the government to cut poverty and social exclusion among older people.
- We empower older people to play an active role in local development and political decision-making.
- We work to reduce older people's vulnerability to Tajikistan's extremely cold winters, focusing on the poorest communities in rural areas.
- We research and gather evidence on ageing issues to lobby other NGOs, UN agencies and government bodies.
Life story: Abdukayum, 68
Abdukayum was taken advantage of by his neighbours because he lived on his own.
Abdukayum has his own house with a plot of land, where he spends most of his time working.
His neighbours knew he lived alone and had nobody to protect his interests, so they took advantage of him.
He agreed to rent some of it to his neighbours, as it would bring some benefit to him. Three years passed, and his neighbours had grown crops on his land each year, without ever paying him.
He tried to talk to them but was met with abuse and insults. He decided to apply to HelpAge partner, the NVCT for advice and help.
They tackled the problem by collecting all necessary documents and submitting Abdukayum's case. They suggested both parties solve the problem through negotiation. The alternative was to initiate a criminal case.
This forced Abdukayum's neighbours to solve the land dispute through negotiation. Without taking extreme action, Abdukayum got not only moral, but also material compensation of US$500.
In addition, he got an in-kind payment of his neighbour's car as they couldn't pay him. This car now is available to use for NVCT social club members, whenever required.
The difference we made in 2010-11
We have improved older people's lives in Tajikistan by:
- Delivering cash grant projects to older people's groups, which has improved the lives of over 100 older people and their families.
- Conducting age awareness workshops for local and international NGOs, UN agencies and government bodies to encourage them to include older people in their policies and programmes.
- Distributing emergency aid to 600 older people and their families in Dushanbe and Asht and hot soup to 250 older men and women over the harsh winter months.
- Monitoring older people's access to social and health services in Dushanbe.
- Introducing alternative energy sources, such as solar panels in public areas, to help older people survive the extreme cold.
What next?
We will continue to:
- Develop a national network of organisations to more effectively address ageing issues.
- Support "skipped generation" households affected by migration and ensure they have a secure source of food and income.
- Communicate with social protection policy makers and practitioners, donors and development agencies to encourage the government to develop a national strategy on ageing issues.
- Build the skills and knowledge of older people and their communities on emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
- Work with international humanitarian agencies, local civil society and governments to include older people in emergency programmes.
- Ensure older people are able to claim their entitlements by having the correct documents and legal support.
Our partners
Association of Scientific and Technical Intelligence (ASTI), National Volunteer Centre of Tajikistan (NVCT), Central Asian Gerontology Centre (CAGC), Youth Ecological Centre (EcoCenter), International Public Charity Organisation (JOVID), Humanitarian Centre of Social Protection (Munis), Strategic Research Centre, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Health, Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence, State Agency on Social Insurance and Pensions, Committee of Religion.
Our donors
European Commission, Irish Aid, GDS
