Results
Skills training and job creation
All stakeholders tapped into the potential of artisans in the region by offering skill development and training to enhance marketability and create alternative opportunities for rural craftsmen and women. An association of honey producers was established, which provided producers with a platform for exchanging information, collaboration, and skill development. Training courses on hairdressing and esthetics were organized for unemployed rural women and resulted in nearly all participating women (16) finding employment and improving the economic situation of their families. To increase knowledge of the rich cultural heritage of the region and safeguard the heritage of many creative industries, programme partners trained relevant stakeholders in crafts development (felt, pottery, and woodcarving), business development and marketing.
Data for development
To guarantee the effectiveness of health-related programmes several population level health behaviour surveys (Child Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), Behaviour of School Health Children (BSHC) and WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Against Women), were carried out. Findings informed regional health policies, rendering them more responsive to the needs of local populations.
Furthermore, programme stakeholders trained health experts on ways of improving the quality of data for more reliable health statistics, such as coding the causes of death and placing an additional focus on maternal mortality. In addition, experts received training on mapping socio-economic determinants of health using a rayon-mapping approach to identify mortality hot spots and underlying factors that contribute to mortality among certain populations.
Safer sources of water and sanitation
Making changes to water safety, sanitation and hygiene standards in health care required stakeholders to carry out a pilot survey in 19 health facilities in Kyzylorda city and 17 health care facilities in Aralsk. The survey found few problems with water and hygiene, but issues with toilet facilities in rural areas. The assessment lead to national requirements made regarding chemical and micro-biological water quality sampling and analysis, along with procedures for water sample collection for further testing in other regions.
The right to information
Access to human rights was strengthened line with the national Law on Access to Information. This involved the training of volunteers from youth teams and the leaders of 14 online centres in rural villages. Along with 30 librarians, this group of volunteers was trained to serve their communities by mastering community multimedia principles and mobile ICTs, and helping citizens seek, create and distribute information on local governance, civic participation, decision making processes, and enhancing media and information literacy.
Child-friendly justice services
As a part of strengthening justice systems and rendering them accessible by children, programme support resulted in the establishment of community-based alternative justice centers for children in conflict with the law, as well as the creation of child-friendly spaces in law enforcement buildings, and enhancing inter-sector coordination. Staff of these community-based centers acquired skills on case management, plans for monitoring and follow-up, and methods for face-to-face consultations with children. A total of 64 children were referred to the centre and received care based on their needs and individual case management plans. To ensure sustainability, the UN advocated with local government to finance the centre after the end of the joint programme.
Green economy and green growth
One of the main economic drivers in the region, agriculture provides employment for a large portion of the population, rendering it and environmental sustainability crucial for socio-economic growth. To cater to needs in this area, joint programme stakeholders launched sustainable "green" pilot technologies targeting farmers across the region. Water saving technologies in irrigated agriculture were a game changer for farmers cultivating rice and melon crops. Beneficiaries received two sets of water pumps for drip irrigation systems and were part of training sessions on water saving technologies, integrated water resource management, hydro-climate risks, and ways to increase the yield of common crops.
Priortizing local needs
Social projects designed with local community feedback were implemented with the aim of alleviating grievances and increasing standards of living. By 2017, 11 greenhouses were operational in six districts, those located next to schools provided students with nutrient-rich food. Furthermore, two sport/playgrounds, several sets of gym equipment, one health center, and a music studio were operationalized. Staff were prioritizing projects to meet the needs of locals while also opening up spaces for dialogue and increasing trust in local authorities, serving as an example of local self-governance solutions to local challenges.
> $55M 
$55M - $25M
$25M - $5M
< $5M
