Gender Action Learning System (GALS) is a participatory approach that promotes more harmonious and violence-free relationships in families and communities. GALS is based on the principles of good practice in the field of adult education and participatory methodologies. However, the goal of GALS is not to increase the knowledge of participants by imposing it from outside, but instead to focus on examples of positive change already occurring, heightening interest in new changes, awareness and discussion between participants. Last Friday and Saturday we had 2-days GALS ToT for participants from remote districts of Alay and Chong-Alay. It was the final workshop of long ToT series which started in 2022, initiated by Bai Alai Project in cooperation with AgroTrade Project (USAID). During these sessions our champions developed skills in training and coaching others on how to use GALS approach effectively. We hope that ultimately they create a ripple effect that will lead to positive change in communities.
Zhibek Turatbekova, a beneficiary of the Bai Alai project, representative of the Chon-Alai branch of the Public Union "Business Women of Alai" successfully presented her business project to the Kyrgyz Patent commission. Their hard work paid off as they won the "40 districts - 40 projects" Kyrgyz Patent competition and were awarded 914,000 KGS in funding. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among Chon-Alai artisans, and the funds will be used to purchase a silk printing machine that will help streamline the production of scarves, save time, and create new job opportunities. Congrats to the team on their success!
Vocational training and education (VET) remains a priority for Uzbekistan, with its high proportion of young people and structural features of the economy. According to the Ministry of Education of Uzbekistan, 40% of school graduates have the opportunity to enter higher educational institutions. However, the rest of the young people also need quality education. And here the role of VET is important as an appropriate alternative for those who cannot enter the university. Innovation is needed to keep VET in line with the changing demands of the volatile labor market. Ultimately, the goal of all education reforms is for the entire system to function on the basis of quality criteria and with a full focus on results. As part of this discussion, on February 22, 2023, a regular meeting of the Donor Coordination Committee for projects in the field of vocational education and training (VET) in the Republic of Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent. This Donor Coordination Committee is co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education , Science and Innovation and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan, At the initiative of the SDC and with the support of the Swiss project “Support VET Reforms in Uzbekistan” (VET4UZ) as the Secretariat of the Donor Coordination Committee, more than 30 participants from various VET development projects and international organizations discussed the latest developments and research in the field of VET. Welcoming the participants of the event, Komiljon Karimov, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan noted the importance of the Donor Coordination Committee, which presents the latest developments and research results in the field of vocational education. “This is an informal platform where we can share experiences with each other, learn the news, and ask questions sometimes” The Deputy Minister stressed that despite the recent changes in the structure of the ministry, vocational education and training remains an important topic for the government of Uzbekistan, and government decisions will strengthen the priority in this direction, including work with international partners. Co-chair, Rachel Bosch, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan, pointed out the complex nature of reforms in the field of VET, which increases the importance of regular interaction of all participants in this process, including through the mechanism of the Donor Coordination Committee. “Meetings of the Donor Coordination Committee are also important to avoid duplication of project activities and development of similar initiatives” Rachel Bosch stressed the need to move from completely input-oriented to output-oriented governance and prioritization of actions. During the event, the participants were presented with the latest changes in the structure of management of vocational education in the ministry, goals and development indicators. Experts of the Asian Development Bank presented the results of a labor market study on the example of small and micro enterprises employed in the mining industry, the production of textiles and food, building materials. Another important study was shared by Gabriela Damian Timoshenko, VET4UZ project manager, who spoke about the results of a survey of 646 different organizations that represent the main stakeholders of VET. “We studied how the system of vocational education is being implemented and how it works in such key areas as training, financing, ensuring the quality of education, career guidance” One of the results of the study is the identification of weak cooperation between professional organizations and employers. “Employers are overwhelmed with direct communication with the state, so we need intermediaries in the form of professional associations. And we, as development projects, should capacitate them,” said Gabriela Damian Timoshenko. The full results of the study can be read here https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/586303. At the end of the meeting, the participants were shown a digital platform for the coordination of VET projects, which will improve interaction between various government and non-governmental organizations and development partners. About VET4UZ The Swiss project VET4UZ is funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by Helvetas Uzbekistan. It contributes to improved access to the labor market and more profitable employment for VET graduates. The project uses a systemic approach, improving coordination within government structures, including between the government and economic actors, thus improving the overall quality of VET.
Branch of the Association HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in KR is looking for Finance and HR Officer Qualification requirements University degree in Finance, Business Administration, economics or similar domain; Relevant work experience; Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft Office applications, 1S software; Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian. Oral communication skill in Kyrgyz language. Duties Preparation of bank transfers; Managing cash payments; Ensuring accurate and timely processing of suppliers’ invoices; Formation of advance reports; Running and ensuring timely recording in the accounting system 1S of all economic activities and operations (bank accounts, cash box, assets, liabilities, taxes, commodities, materials); Checking financial reports of the grantees; Conducting inventory of fixed assets and participating in inventory procedures; Preparation of labour contracts, labour orders, references; Coordination of recruitment process in accordance with internal procedures; Maintaining and keeping updated staff files and staff labour contracts, orders, instructions and other. Conditions Interested candidates are kindly requested to send a Cover Letter, detailed CV and recommendation letters in English to Kyrgyzstan@helvetas.org with CC Eleonora.akmatova@helvetas.org. The deadline for submission is no later than 17:00, February 15, 2023.
EU-funded SWITCH-Asia Greentour Project implemented by Representative Office of Helvetas Intercooperation GmbH in the Kyrgyz Republic is looking for Financial and Administrative Officer in Bishkek office. GreenTour project mobilizes and mentors Kyrgyz tour operators and their suppliers to adapt and promote sustainable consumption and production practices throughout their supply chains and business processes. This includes using local suppliers, purchasing environmentally friendly products, plastic reduction, conserving natural resources and applying socially responsible ways of interacting with local communities. Furthermore, the capacity of travel associations to provide Corporate Social Responsibility advisory services will be improved to spread the sustainable tourism practices. For the targeted Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Helvetas fosters the creation of new financial schemes and promotes access to green financing. Qualification requirements: University degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics or similar domain; Relevant work experience in accounting, procurement, and admin tasks; the experience with EU projects is preferable; Computer skills with practical experience in Microsoft Office applications, 1S 7.0 software; Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is an asset. Duties: Preparation of financial reports for the project activity as per requirements of EU and internal procedures; assist in verification of accounts; Booking transactions in accounting system; preparation of payment requests for bank and cash operations for project vendors; Ensuring accurate and timely processing of suppliers’ invoices; Checking financial reports of the project implementing partners; Conducting inventory of fixed assets and participating in inventory procedures related to project; Assist in procurement of services and consultants as per requirement of the donor and internal procurement procedures; Assist in collecting monitoring data for the project’s annual and completion reports; Assist in organizing project events, travel and training activities; Support the project team in the implementation of the activities with a wide range of the project beneficiaries and stakeholders. Conditions: Interested candidates are requested to send a Cover Letter, detailed CV and 3 recommendation letters in English to Kyrgyzstan@helvetas.org with CC Aselia.Bakirova@helvetas.org. Deadline for submission is by 17:00, February 15, 2023. Subject of your email must contain “Financial and Administrative Officer for the EU-funded SWITCH-Asia Greentour Project”.
Assignment Title: Improvement of quality of hospitality services in yurt camps and guest houses in selected locations Location(s): Alai, Chon Alai districts. Assignment periods: February 2 till December 30, 2023 Tasks: Conduct training and practical consultations by the end of April, 2023 for tourism service providers in selected locations on following topics: Improvement of sanitary-hygiene conditions, and, quality and variety of meals Maximum number of beds in one room in guest houses and yurt camps. Standard size and other characteristics of bed (including the type of bedsheets and mattress) Minimal requirement for kitchen in guest houses, yurt camps Minimal requirement for lavatories and bathrooms Pricing of services Introduction of simplified form of recording incoming clients, expenses and sales. Conduct a study tour for owners of guesthouses and yurt camps to successful guest houses and yurt camps in Naryn oblast (Song-Kul) Expected results All participants of trainings and consultations have developed their plan for further improvement with concrete timeline and sources of funding of each set tasks accordingly till the end of February 70% of participants have introduced changes, u[dated and improved the quality of their services, beds, kitchen and lavatories All participants have improved their skills on food provision and developed their menu. Application Procedure Applicants must send the following documents by email to Beksultan.abdisalamov@helvetas.org and Aselia.bakirova@helvetas.org no later than February 5, 2023. List of application documents Letter of interest describing experience in similar assignments. CVs of key executors with experience in performing similar tasks. Action plan, implementation schedule including detailed budget. Copies of official registration of the applicant (patent, certificate of registration). Main requirements for applicants: Active in the tourism and hospitality sector as a trainer and consultant for at least 5 years Experience in training and consulting in the hospitality industry. At least 5 years of experience in consulting tourism service providers Experience in working with international organizations for at least 3 years. Knowledge of Kyrgyz and Russian languages Terms of Reference If you have any questions, please contact beksultan.abdisalamov@helvetas.org +996 (550) 33-92-92
