DUSHANBE (TCA) — The Branch of the German Caritas Association in Tajikistan (CARITAS) has announced the launch of its new one-year Social Work Development Project in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) that will operate in all 7 jamoats (Porshinev, M. Shirinjonov, Suchon, Navobod, Gh. Shabozov, Ver and Vanqal’a) of Shughnon district. CARITAS’s Project Coordinator Umeda Munavvarova and Deputy Chairman of Shughnon District Saidarabzoda Gulghuncha opened a round-table earlier this week which was attended by representatives from Local Government Authority, public organizations, as well as the private sector and other stakeholders.
Ms. Saidarabzoda briefed the participants about the current social situation in Shughnon district and assured the stakeholders that the Local Government Authority would comprehensively support the successful implementation of the project.
“The project aims to strengthen the community’s capacity in the field of social work and improve the quality of social services for families and children in difficult life situation in Shughnon district,” said Umeda Munavvarova, adding that the project goal would be achieved by coordinating the activities of government structures and public organizations, as well as enhancing professional competence of social workers. Munavvarova also noted that today’s event should invite all actors to mutual cooperation and joint action in improving the social approach for vulnerable families in in the district.
Social problems, such as poor living conditions, unemployment, family conflicts, malnutrition, lack of skills and knowledge on childcare are observed among the poor families. These social problems negatively affect the psychological and emotional condition of all family members, especially children and their mothers. According to statistics, Shughnon district has the highest rate of poor families, particularly families with children in difficult life situation (1,532) and also children with disabilities (211).
According to Jamolidin Khudodov, the head of key implementing regional public organization “Ehyo”, the project will among many other activities provide personalised social support to 35 families with children in difficult life situation (5 families in each jamoat) using case management approach.
CARITAS has been working since 2010 in GBAO with projects to improve the living conditions of vulnerable families, including persons and children with disabilities. Similar projects were implemented in Khorugh city and Roshtqal’a district in partnership with the local public organization “Khirad”. Moreover, last year, CARITAS started working with State Khorugh University to professionalize social work in the region.
