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Election news group
219 Chui Avenue, 720040,
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,
Tel: 996 312 612 602
996 312 612 603
Fax: 996 312 612 090
e-mail: ifes@ifes.kg
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An establishment of Kyrgyz democratic social system is virtually impossible without the establishment of one of its fundamentals, a civil society. IFES has worked in Kyrgyzstan under USAID funding conducting projects in civil society development, technical election assistance, and civic education. It aims to strengthen the democratic culture has been achieved through its school based and extra curricular projects, however a great deal of work remains to be done in order to improve the level of youth awareness and participation in the establishment of democratic society.
Since year 2000 IFES began to focus its work on the area of civic education for young persons, developing a high school civics textbook and conducting a number of projects designed to broaden students’ understanding and interest in government, volunteerism, and active civic participation. The focus of IFES efforts in 2003 is, though not limited to, the following projects:
Civics Education Textbook:
A Civics Textbook and Course designed by IFES is being pilot tested in schools throughout the Kyrgyz Republic using Interactive Classroom Management. In the 2002-2003 school-year, the course was taught in 224 schools nationwide. Students in schools participating in the IFES civics course gain greater practical understanding of democracy and civic responsibility; interest in civics and democracy is enhanced.
Students Action Committe:
In 2003 SACs were implemented for a third consecutive year. Students involved gain practical experience in problem-solving, community activism, civil society and local government. Relationships established with local government authorities, NGOs, media representatives. Furthermore, students’ leadership and communications abilities enhanced.
Student-Local Government Day:
These projects bring students and local government officials together so students can gain a greater appreciation for and interest in representative governance. SLGDs have been held in Bishkek, Chui, Osh, Kara-Su Rayon, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Kara-Kul, and Mailu. Students exposed to workings of local government gain a greater appreciation and interest in the work and responsibilities of elected officials.
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Democracy Summer Camp:
The Camps provide students with direct experience in issues of human rights, tolerance, gender equality, and conducting and running election campaigns. IFES’ 2003 Camps devoted the agenda to concepts of democracy, human rights and mass media and were held in Talas, Naryn and Osh Oblasts. Students gain greater practical understanding of democracy in action through mock elections, NGO, and political party building exercises. Students gain awareness of critical social issues such as human rights, gender, and personal security. Training capacity for NGO leaders and teachers enhanced. Students learn to take a critical view of events surrounding them, and seek to hold government more accountable.
Here you can download the Democracy Summer Camp 2006 video. Language Russian 21 Mb
If you are located in Kyrgyzstan for download click here!
University Student Elections:
The project serves as a useful lesson for students in all aspects of the election process. It promotes fair student body elections in the universities. Student elections projects are held in American University of Bishkek, Slavonic University, State Pedagogical University, Mining Institute and Osh State University.
The investment in youth of Kyrgyzstan is long-term.
Based on IFES experience with students over the last several years, a new and vibrant cadre of future leaders is being formed with rising expectations and the potential to change society for the better. Investment in youth, support for civic education-oriented NGOs and strategic engagement with the government on matters of education and elections are all part of an optimal approach to promoting the further democratic development of society.
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