Tashkent (TDI): In an innovative move, Uzbekistan is harnessing the wisdom and experience of community elders to help combat poverty and improve living conditions for vulnerable families.
The initiative, part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s “From Poverty to Prosperity” program, was formalized in a recent decree aimed at reducing poverty through community mentorship.
The program empowers elders to guide disadvantaged families, particularly in agricultural practices, to foster self-sufficiency.
As mentors, they will provide training in farming techniques and assist families in renting mobile stores and acquiring equipment to start small businesses.
The initiative goes beyond economic support, promoting a holistic approach to well-being.
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Elders will educate families on balanced diets, physical activity, and disease prevention, while also addressing child-rearing challenges within impoverished households.
The program emphasizes community service and collective responsibility as it engages citizens in uplifting their localities.
Through this partnership between the state, society, and active citizens, the program presents a unique model for poverty alleviation in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative
The “From Poverty to Prosperity” initiative aims to lift 500,000 people out of poverty by the end of 2024, with plans to help an additional 1 million in 2025.
As part of broader anti-poverty measures, Mirziyoyev’s government has approved initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, vocational training, and infrastructure development in low-income areas.
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In 2025, Uzbekistan will allocate $1.6 billion to improve infrastructure, including installing water pumps and solar panels in 300 underdeveloped neighborhoods.
These measures aim to unlock the potential of citizens, fostering both economic independence and a sense of personal responsibility toward their well-being.