USAID and partners mark completion of a three-year community-based program

PAS No 256
September 18, 2009

The meeting participants are listening to presentations on program achievements

Ashgabat, September 18, 2009 – Yesterday, 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.

At the meeting, representatives from local self-governance bodies of Turkmenistan, international organizations and communities discussed how the USAID-funded project improved local infrastructure, strengthened cooperation with local governments, and created opportunities for youth.  The 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 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.  Using USAID technical assistance, communities have contributed to renovating local infrastructure, thus taking an active part in local social and economic development.  All targeted communities received legal advice, business training, and courses in various vocational skills.  Local government representatives also engaged in the community-level initiatives by providing funding and specialists.

The Turkmenistan Community Empowerment Program is one of the many activities made possible by the American people through USAID.  Since 1993, the American people have provided more than $80 million in programs that support Turkmenistan’s economic growth, social sector, and community initiatives.