Elderly community leaders to join poverty reduction efforts in Uzbekistan
Last Updated on December 1, 2024 6:55 am
Uzbekistan will engage active elders in poverty reduction in their mahallas (neighborhoods) with a monthly payment. Nuroniy foundation will allocate 10 million soums ($777) annually to each of about 10,000 mahallas for elderly sports programs. A total of $39 m will be provided from the state budget.
Uzbekistan will engage respected and experienced elders in a new initiative aimed at alleviating poverty among families in mahallas (neighborhoods), according to a presidential decree dated 25 November.
Under “From poverty to prosperity” program, three active elders in each mahalla will be assigned to mentor five low-income families. Their role will include fostering healthy lifestyles and improving the socio-spiritual environment in mahallas.
Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction will work with Nuroniy (Veteran) foundation and Mahallas Association to select elders for the program.
Key responsibilities of selected elders:
Assisting families in using household plots to grow high-yield crops and teaching them cultivation and marketing skills.
Supporting access to tools such as mobile shops, small-scale production equipment and other technical resources.
Facilitating vocational training for children from poor families, including providing school supplies, sportswear and access to extracurricular activities.
Promoting physical activities like walking, and organizing sports events for residents.
Strengthening community unity through “Councils of elders and parents” to uphold national values.
Encouraging participation of disabled and low-income citizens in community activities.
Addressing challenges within struggling families to foster self-reliance.
Active elders will serve for six months, receiving monthly payment of 577,500 soums ($45, or 50% of the minimum wage). Nuroniy foundation will fund sports events for seniors, cover transportation expenses, and provide educational and sports supplies for children from poor families.
Each mahalla will receive 10 million soums ($777) annually from the Nuroniy foundation to promote sports among the elderly.
“Council of elders and parents”, to be approved by district hokims based on recommendations from Nuroniy goundation and Mahallas Association, will oversee these efforts.
The state budget has allocated 504 billion soums (over $39 million) for this program in 2025, with continued funding planned for subsequent years.
Local councils of people’s deputies have been advised to review reports from authorities on the program’s implementation, informed by data from active elders.
The initiative aims to improve the quality of life for poor families while enhancing the social fabric of mahallas. Beyond material aid, it focuses on cultural, sports and spiritual development.
These measures are expected to promote social stability, strengthen intergenerational ties and create a supportive environment for all residents of mahallas, the document says.