Ashgabat, September 17, 2009. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Counterpart International in Turkmenistan (Counterpart) marked successful completion of the USAID-funded Turkmenistan Community Empowerment Program (TCEP) at a meeting in Ashgabat.
The three-year program, implemented by Counterpart in partnership with the American Bar Association/Rule of Law Initiative (ABA/ROLI) and the Urban Institute, worked to support community-level initiatives and cooperation with local government officials. 75, 000 citizens from 42 rural communities have benefited from this work. With USAID funding and project’s support, communities have renovated parks, residential buildings, offices, sports fields, and playgrounds; expanded access to computers in the remote villages; and improved access to water, gas, and electrical power supply. Youth now have expanded opportunities to learn carpet-weaving, sewing, and other skills. Thousands received legal advice, business training, and courses in various vocational skills. Local government representatives took part in each of these initiatives and helped communities with funding or specialists.
At the September 17 meeting, representatives from the Turkmen government agencies, local self-governance bodies, international organizations and communities discussed how the USAID-funded project improved local infrastructure, strengthened cooperation with local governments, and creating opportunities for youth. As participants discussed how the project contributed towards the goals and objectives of the National Program on Improving the Living Standards of the Populations of Villages, Towns, District Cities, and District Centers.
The Turkmenistan Community Empowerment Program is one of the many activities made possible by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Since 1993, the American people through USAID have provided more than $80 million in programs that support Turkmenistan’s economic growth, social sector, and community initiatives.
Press Release in pdf format
