Babushka Adoption initiated Self-Help Groups since June 2006. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) consist of 10-15 elderly people who meet regularly to discuss elderly peoples’ needs and organize activities that can help reintegrate isolated Kyrgyz elderly people. SHG leaders received special training in project development and management, budget development and monitoring, mobilization and coordination of volunteers, lobbying, attracting funding sources and networking. Varous SHGs around the country do many things such as souvenir making, lobbying and even sheep breeding.
SHGs give the elderly people a voice and a chance to socialize with others, boosting their morale and psychological condition. This also ultimately improves their overall health and they feel younger.
Self Help Group (SHG) Main Goals:
- Organize social and charity activities for local elderly people on a regular basis to improve social conditions and provide the necessary financial and psychological support to the most vulnerable in their community;
- Strengthen inter-generational links between older and younger generations by organizing events and celebrations, as well as social clubs for teaching and learning new skills;
- Alleviate negative traditions in Kyrgyz society that detract from the development and improvement of the social and economic situation of the country;
- Increase the role of elderly people in public administration and decision-making at local and national levels;
- Engage effectively with the members of the Kyrgyz Parliament, local administration and self-government representatives, public councils and local social protection agencies, social funds and other NGOs working with and for the elderly;
- Work together with Local Territorial Councils representatives, condominiums and active residents on explaining the importance of reforms concerning communal services and making recommendations on how to better monitor these services;
- Involve women in decision-making processes to empower them and increase the role of women in community development in rural areas.
Self Help Groups established in the Batken region in 2006
|
SHG “Nasyikat” |
Aikol village |
Confectionery |
|
SHG “Aikol” |
Aikol village |
Advocacy, lobbying |
|
SHG “Umut-Jetigen” |
Village Min-Jygach |
National souvenirs, handicrafts making |
|
SHG “Maksat” |
Village Golbo |
Sewing |
|
SHG “Yntymak” |
Tailan village |
Animal breeding, dairy products making |
|
SHG “Toguzbulak” |
Toguzbulak village |
Handicrafts making |
|
SHG “Tattuu” |
Village Tailan |
Confectionery |
|
SHG “Tailan Uuzdary” |
Village Tailan |
National souvenirs, handicrafts making |
|
SHG “Umut” |
Village Toguz-Bulak |
National souvenirs, handicrafts making |
|
SHG “Golbo” |
Village Golbo |
Carpet weaving by hand, handicrafts |
|
SHG “Asylzat” |
Isfana town |
Advocacy, lobbying |
|
SHG “Tabyshker” |
Village Kara-Bulak |
Bakery |
|
SHG “Lakomka” |
Sulukta town |
Confectionery |
|
SHG “Oazis” |
Sulukta town |
Advocacy, keeping traditions |
|
SHG “Saamalyk” |
Village Ak-Bulak |
National handicrafts making |
SHGs which were established in 2007
|
SHG "Ilmedos" |
Bishkek |
Souveniors production |
|
SHG "Kadyrman Karylar" |
Bishkek |
Sheep breading |
|
SHG "Dolot" |
Bishkek |
Production of veterinary facilities |
|
SHG "Оnor" |
Bishkek |
Handicrafts making |
|
SHG "Ormok" |
Bishkek |
Weaving |
|
SHG "Yntymak" |
Bishkek |
Accessories, bijouterie |
|
SHG "Soopker 1,2" |
Bishkek |
Advocacy and monitoring of communal services |
|
SHG "Ardi" |
Bishkek |
Sewing of blankets, handicrafts making, and advocacy |
|
SHG "Yrys" |
Jany Pakhta |
Sewing of blankets |
|
SHG "KSMA" |
Bishkek |
|
|
SHG "Kolomto" |
Bishkek |
Advocacy, campaigning for elderly people |
5 SHGs in Belovodskoe village which started the activity in 2010
|
SHG “Umelye ruchki” |
Village Belovodskoe |
Crafts |
|
SHG “Orchideika” |
Village Belovodskoe |
Indoors flowers growing |
|
SHG “Pchylka” |
Village Belovodskoe |
Bee-keeping |
|
SHG “Pushok” |
Village Belovodskoe |
Breeding of rabbits |
|
SHG “Igolochka” |
Village Belovodskoe |
Handicrafts, souvenirs making |
