During the period of June 1-3, 2005, the EU/UNDP project “Enhancement of Living Standards in Namangan region” conducted three training workshops in the districts in Chartak, Kasansay and Mingbulak districts of the Namangan region.

The objective of the workshops was to introduce members of the local communities to the goals and objectives of the ELS project and train them on tools for participatory local development analysis, planning and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a set of development goals that the Governments of the world, including Uzbekistan, have pledged to achieve by 2015.

Participants became familiar with problem analysis methodologies and divided themselves into working groups to identify priority development challenges and opportunities in the districts. The major strength identified was the willingness of local authorities and communities to work together and give their concrete contribution to meet challenges.

The ELS project also showed documentary films on community projects in Karakalpakstan and Karshi. This helped to generate debate and discussion on how best to promote development at community level.

From now on the three groups will assist the project in developing district development strategies for the three districts. The working groups include representatives of the local Khokimiyat, Village Communities of Citizens as well as the heads of various governmental and non-governmental institutions and business sector.