Training and competition mediate values

Situation: Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia and the poorest of the former Soviet republics. Since the civil war in 1992-1997, the economic situation has not improved much. Approximately 60% of the population still lives under the poverty level with less than 1, 50 € per day to live on. Often, husbands and fathers seek employment in other countries, such as Russia. Too often, however, this causes families to fall apart. Mothers are left behind to take care of their children alone. Children and teenagers are therefore often disadvantaged and neglected.

Project Description: Partner Aid International started projects for children and teenagers in Tajikistan. In Tajik society, girls are given great responsibility in their families from an early age. That is why PAI Tajikistan wants to encourage and support these girls in order for them to develop their personalities and reach their potential – regardless of religion or family background. Together with local workers, PAI Tajikistan organizes regional girls’ volleyball teams that participate in national volleyball leagues. Professional coaches ensure that the teams are well trained and the girls taken care of. Because of the difficult economic situation many families in Tajikistan find themselves in, PAI also supports these families by providing the teams with volleyballs, nets, sports shoes, etc.

For the boys in the communities, PAI Tajikistan organizes football leagues and tournaments. Football is a popular sport among children and young adults in Tajikistan – everyone can participate, regardless of religious background, skin color or economic situation. Being part of a football team offers boys and young men an alternative to the common abuse of drugs and to violence behaviour. In the teams, values such as honesty, team work and discipline are promoted. We believe that these young men have the potential to be valuable leaders in their communities, and we therefore want to support them.