Community multimedia centers open in Chui region

6 March 2013

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Community multimedia centers have opened in Djal-Orok and Kara-Suu villages of Chuy region. Both centers received equipment and training with the support of the joint project of European Union and United Nations on promoting good governance in Kyrgyzstan.

Village municipalities provided premises for the centers. Local volunteers were given training on technical maintenance of the equipment, computer literacy, use of internet tools and preparation of materials for broadcast and dissemination. Farmers, women, schoolchildren, parents, representatives of local organizations and administration produced first multimedia materials as village news reporters.

This community multimedia center is established for us. With UNESCO’s technical assistance and training, we will be able to provide access to educational and development information to the community and discuss village problems.

Aibek Chokoev, Head of the multimedia center of Djal-Orok village, Chui Oblast, Kyrgyzstan

The head of the multimedia center of Djal-Orok village Aibek Chokoev said: “This community multimedia center is established for us. With UNESCO’s technical assistance and training, we will be able to provide access to educational and development information to the community and discuss village problems. The villagers can take part directly both in the management and production aspects of the center.”

In addition to multimedia centers, community radio will be established in six oblasts of the country under the project. Community media creates a platform for dialogue to address local challenges and involve local communities in municipal governance processes. They reflect the interests of civil society and promote the interests of target groups. Direct community participation in the communication process improves information exchange on development issues and public services.

The joint project, “Operationilising Good Governance for Social Justice” was launched in October 2011 and will be implemented for a period of 36 months until October 2014. The Project aims to increase and render more equitable rights to public services for citizens, especially for vulnerable groups - women, youth and children in 30 rural municipalities in 7 regions of Kyrgyzstan. This project is implemented by UN Agencies - UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women and UNESCO. The European Union co-finances this project together with the above-mentioned UN agencies.

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