International Work - Uzbekistan

Visits

August 2007

Supporting Women and Children in Uzbekistan

The Socio-Economic Development Centre "SABR" in Samarkand Uzbekistan provides psychological, social, legal and medical support to women and children in crisis. The Haven Wolverhampton has been working with SABR since 1996 providing help and support to the organisation in its activities. Currently, The Haven is working with SABR within the Partnership Agreement on Technical Support.

In August 2007 Gill Atkins -Chair of the Board of The Haven Wolverhampton, Kath Rees -Chief Executive Officer and Elvira Wilson - International Project Manager visited SABR to take part in the opening ceremony of the project by attending three Centres for Social Adaption in the Samarkand region. In these centres women from rural areas who are from low income families can gain practical skills which will enable them to earn money and develop their knowledge. Practical skills such as sewing, embroidery, hairdressing, skills for business, leadership and empowerment are offered as well as training about human rights and awareness of domestic violence. The visitors from The Haven delivered training to SABR staff, stakeholders and the SABR Board on the legeslative aspects of dealing with domestic violence and governance of the voluntary sector.

The Haven would like to send its congratulations to SABR which received its Micro-Financing Licence from the Uzbeck government recently. This is allow the organisation to continue with its micro-financing activities and administer help and support to the poorest members of the rural Samarkand population.