Telling Our Story

The Ministry of Health in Turkmenistan is committed to investing in its future by improving children’s health. The government wants to prevent common childhood conditions like diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, anemia, measles, and malnutrition. This commitment is why the government has strongly supported the “Keeping Children Healthy” campaign, a collaboration of USAID, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The campaign shares key health messages with mothers through community health care providers.

I  first came to the center in October 2011. It was a stormy day, and my feelings toward the world around me were as stormy as the weather outside. I was completely worn-out by problems in my personal and business lives. I am not used to friendliness from my peers, as I live in a dog-eat-dog world. All my peers living in my neighborhood relieve their stress by smoking, using drugs or drinking alcohol.

Beshim Tanniyev has been working in his family’s greenhouse since 1978. For over 20 years, his family planted local varieties of cucumbers that were not resistant to most plant diseases found in Turkmenistan. He wondered if he would ever be able to increase his income and provide better opportunities for his family.

Turkmenistan is a fast-growing state with a large youth population, making the issue of job placement for young people a hot topic. Supported by USAID and Chevron Nebitgaz, Junior Achievement programs in Turkmenistan are dedicated to helping young people realize their potential.

Myakhri Goshjanova graduated from secondary school in her hometown in rural Turkmenistan and found herself faced with the question of what she was going to do next.