The MAP project in Kyrgyzstan from its inception has been led by the Foundation for Tolerance International (FTI), with a focus on promoting youth-led peacebuilding advocacy and initiatives through arts-based approaches. In the early phase of MAP in Kyrgyzstan, FTI established 16 youth-led clubs that engaged young people in local and community decision-making processes across various regions of Kyrgyzstan, including Bishkek, Batken, Osh, and Jalal-Abad. This equipped 152 participating students with resources for conducting peer-to-peer research. They also participated in acting and drawing masterclasses to gain knowledge in using creative methods for driving social change. In addition, the MAP team in Kyrgyzstan developed an online Training of Trainers (TOT) module, which has been adopted by participating teachers to enhance teaching standards and increase student participation in school parliaments and decision-making activities.
As a result of these initiatives, educators and young people in Kyrgyzstan have actively pursued opportunities to promote youth participation in policymaking processes whilst deepening their understanding of local cultural and artistic traditions. Young people explored visual arts, Forum Theatre, Kyrgyz folk tales, music, and dance to shed light on community challenges. Notably, they highlighted the lack of understanding between parents and children, and advocated for key gender-based issues, such as girls’ limited access to education.
Small Grant projects: January – March 2022
16 Small Grant projects were carried out in different regions of Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken). These projects were implemented in schools and youth clubs, involving 421 young people. Through various art-based methods such as forum theatre, drawing contests, filmmaking projects, flash mobs, and comic exhibitions, these initiatives addressed a wide range of issues, including environmental concerns, educational challenges, family dynamics, and gender-based issues. Some of the specific objectives were to tackle the misuse of time and social media among young people, promote reading and quality education, strengthen relationships between students, parents, and teachers, addressing violence against migrant children, advocating for girls’ education, and drawing attention to the poor sanitary conditions of school toilets and waste management. These projects also aimed to raise awareness of community problems and influence policy by creating 16 policy briefs.