Odinakhon's story

Yesterday we had the privilege of visiting a Women’s Development Centre in the northern Asht district of Tajikistan. This centre is funded by Christian Aid’s partner ASDP Nau. The centre provides women and children in the community with the opportunity to learn new skills in sewing, making and designing clothes and in other forms of handicraft. ASDP Nau are providing funding for the equipment used and also to pay for the teachers salary. The skills learnt at the centre are vital to the women in this community. The products are sold collectively at market and the profits used to support their families.

 

Whilst at the centre I had the chance to talk with a lady called Odinakhon Kazokboera. She had a vibrant personality and was very pleased to tell me her story. She has been a member of the Women’s Development Centre since it opened in 2003. She has 2 sons and 4 daughters. She enjoys being able to learn new skills, and the money she earns through selling her products enables her to provide for her family.

 

I asked her what life was like before the centre opened? In response she replied, “We hardly survived before, we used to live separately. We have now started to solve our problems together as a group. We are now able to save money together. In the future I hope to be able to survive on my own again.”

 

Alongside supporting their families Odinakhon explained that the 30 women involved use some of their collective income to care for the vulnerable in their village. They provide social help and distribute food to the poorest members of the community.  

 

Odinakhon told me that she hopes in the future to be able to widen the Development Centre so that more women can learn new skills. She would like to be able to increase their income in order than the women can support their children through education.

 

(Education to secondary school level is free in Tajikistan however the stark reality is that many families find it difficult put their children through school. Although the tuition is paid for by the government there are additional expenses for the family such as school books, materials and uniforms, for many families it is extremely difficult to afford such things.)

 

The generosity of Odinakhon and the rest of the women at the Development Centre was inspiring, their commitment not only to their families but to the vulnerable in their community was amazing to hear. On leaving this partner I felt moved by the determination of the people we had met and encouraged by the transforming work of ASDP Nau.

Comments

[Sarah Filbey]

I'm struck by what a brilliant name 'Odinakhon' is. Fitting for such a memorable person, by the sounds of it. Really glad to hear you are encouraged by partner ASDP Nau.

[Steven Buckley]

Hello you three! Reading the updates with interest and really glad to hear that you've escaped the confines of the hotel. Looking forward to reading your next installment.

All the best,

Steven Buckley