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	USAID Information: USAID Country Page More Stories from Kazakhstan FY 2009 Congressional Budget Justification Selected Reports from the USAID Document Database Mission Web Site Kazakhstan Country Background (385kb pdf) External Links: U.S. State Department Background Notes CIA World Factbook
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Success Story

Photo: ACDI/VOCA

At town hall meetings, Kazakhstanis learn to develop and implement local projects to improve their communities "It was the dream of my whole professional life to have a large [first aid service] building where the patients feel comfortable," said Aisulu. "However, I had no idea how to start it until I saw how [USAID] community mobilization officers do it."

Traditionally, women in Kazakhstan do not play a prominent role in public decision-making. Aisulu Duisbayeva was motivated to break this tradition and become involved in community affairs by the Dostyk village first aid station, which lacked the capacity to provide for even its current roll of patients. Aisulu sought better service for the 2,500 beneficiaries of the health center, and began working with USAID to rehabilitate the building, supply basic medical equipment and install a new heating system.

"It was the dream of my whole professional life to have a large [first aid service] building where the patients feel comfortable," said Aisulu. "However, I had no idea how to start it until I saw how [USAID] community mobilization officers do it."

USAID has guided 70 community-driven projects in Kazakhstan, benefiting nearly a quarter million residents. The projects have helped a broad spectrum of community members, providing more than 4,300 jobs and improving infrastructure and services in sanitation, health and education. Decision-making emphasizes pluralism, helping to produce policies supported by all segments of the community. USAID has made a special effort to engage youth and women, who are traditionally left out of decision-making processes. With the support of individuals like Aisulu, along with communities and local governments, the projects' legacy will continue in the skills learned and resources mastered to meet the health, education and employment needs of Kazakhstan.

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