Kyrgyzstan BEST Game (Charity funded training)

Partner(s):

The global reach of SAIE’s business development expertise is facilitated by Laura Baylis, a free lance, autonomous instructor involved in human development. She uses the technique of teaching members of the community at grass-roots level to learn how to start and run their own businesses from many parts of the world. Laura Baylis conducted this project in Osh and Aravan, Kyrgystan. Annexed by Russia in 1864; the country achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Kyrgystan is a poor, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Following independence Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover.

Our Involvement:

Unlike regular SAIE entrepreneurship training programs which are carried out within South Africa, SAIE routinely conducts international trainings. In most cases, independent agents conduct the training after receiving master trainer training from SAIE. In other cases, SAIE service providers and staff may conduct the training on behalf of the firm. The training is usually customized to meet the unique characteristics of the recipient groups.

Project Progress:

The Osh Group trained between 23 and 24 July as well as 9-10 August and the Aravan Group trained between 26 and 27 July and also 10-11 August 2007. The training for this project went well, although complications were faced involving members who did not complete training. Those who attended really appreciated the course and the interactiveness of it. Some of the people also said that when they finished the training they had a good sense of how to run a business which they did not have when they began the course.

The teams were good and worked well together. There was a nice atmosphere in the training and the teams interacted well. Two facilitators were identified and trained.

Much interest from outsiders was generated and this will help us to put together future courses to run after the initial training. In fact the one community centre where training was conducted is considering running BEST Game as one of their standard courses in the future. This training works well in this culture and the people have responded positively to it.

Once again, the training kit was in Russian and translators were needed, but it was not a problem in any way. A kit was left behind for the new facilitators to use in the future.

Funder:

Product:

International Projects

Location:

Not specified.

Project Completion: