Strategic planning brings sustainable financial development to public association

“This is the first project of its kind. We are very pleased that we have been trusted and given a grant for the construction of this greenhouse. It will help us grow as an organization and ensure the employment of members of our public organization,” said Spartak Ramazanov, chairman of the Centre to Support People with Disabilities of Turkmenistan.

During 2016-2018 members of the Centre to Support People with Disabilities of Turkmenistan took part in UNDP project “Empowering CSOs to participate in policy making and social service delivery”. This project was aimed at increasing the potential of public associations of Turkmenistan in managing the organization, strategic planning, the provision of social services and writing grant applications.

Upon completion of the UNDP project, the Centre to Support People with Disabilities of Turkmenistan independently using the acquired skills and knowledge presented its project for a grant from the Japanese Embassy and received funding for a project that created jobs for people with disabilities and will expand and strengthen the potential of the Center.

“The implementation of such events allows to expand opportunities for people with disabilities and contributes to the implementation of the basic principle of the Global Agenda 2030 – leaving no one  behind,” noted Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator.

Today, the greenhouse of the Center already employs 4 people full-time. The Center receives advisory support for growing vegetables, such as tomatoes and bell peppers from a private entrepreneur. It is planned that the crop received from the greenhouse will be sold in the local market. The Center plans to expand its production to fisheries.

This project became possible with the support of the administration of the Akhal velayat of Turkmenistan, which allocated 3 hectares of land for the economic activities of the Center.