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Case Study

Photo: CHF

Students study karate in the new community center. “Being a youth leader has made it easier for me to motivate young people in the community to solve their own problems. This success helps me and other young people understand that positive changes are possible through enthusiasm and cooperation,” said one of the youth leaders.

Challenge

Beshkuton is one of the largest communities in Southern Uzbekistan’s Muzrabod district. Living conditions have been worsening as the village’s economic situation becomes more desperate. The population’s only source of income is seasonal work in the fields. Unemployment is very high, especially for young people. As a result, social problems such as crime, and drug and alcohol abuse have been rising. While sports and social activities have been shown to help with these problems, no facilities were available to the public.

Initiative

To address these problems, USAID supported an initiative led by Beshkuton residents to turn a vacant building into an indoor sports complex and community center. With the help of local authorities, the project was completed in just three months. Then, a group of youth leaders launched a campaign to encourage membership and participation. Their enthusiasm, in turn, inspired businesses and the local government to sponsor activities and competitions.

Results

The renovated complex now serves over 3,000 people. It has three large sports halls, two changing rooms, and a bathroom. The District Sports Committee employs five sports trainers at the new complex and charges a fee of $0.10 per visit to support maintenance and event costs. Nearby schools, which do not have indoor sports facilities, conduct winter physical education classes there. Youth leaders are participating in decision-making and helping to expand the center’s programs. They are organizing clubs to train young people in boxing, wrestling, karate, gymnastics, weight lifting, chess, and table tennis, and participants compete in inter-community and regional competitions. The initiative and dedication of both the community and their youth show a strong determination to build a positive future for themselves and their neighbors.

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