Illustration of Mountain and Yurts representing Kyrgyz Republic. Links to Kyrgyz Republic stop
Illustration of Mountain representing Tajikistan. Links to Tajikistan stop
Illustration of Mountain representing Pakistan. Links to Pakistan stop
Illustration of trees and traditional houses representing Kenya. Links to Kenya stop

Kyrgyzstandan Ysyk Salam!

Dear friends,

It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome as you visit the Kyrgyz Republic on the Virtual Voyage!

I am excited to share updates about AKF’s work to support youth in the Kyrgyz Republic through the Enhancing Employability and Civic Engagement of Youth (EECEY) project.

EECEY encourages youth to actively participate in civic, social, and economic life and contribute to the development of their families and communities.

Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and AKF USA, EECEY has provided entrepreneurship and computer literacy trainings in the past year, helping thousands of youth increase their professional and soft skills.

As you explore the Kyrgyz Republic through the Virtual Voyage, you will also see how EECEY is working with Accelerate Prosperity to strengthen small businesses led by young entrepreneurs.

While the communities we serve continue to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, we remain committed to our mission to improve the quality of life for youth in the country.

Thank you for your time and enjoy the rest of your journey!

Said Asanov Welcome Letter KGZ

Said Asanov

Project Management Unit Manager
Enhancing Employability and Civic Engagement of Youth

Kyrgyz Republic at a glance

Map of Kyrgyz Republic
80%of the country

is covered by mountains

63%of the people

live in rural areas

2official languages

Kyrgyz and Russian

In 2020, AKF supported

26,100farmers

50% of whom are women

270people

with employable skills training or support services

39health facilities

with health and nutrition-related work

Cobbler

Small businesses and entrepreneurs play a key role in our society. They create jobs, drive economic growth, and innovate to improve lives.

In the Kyrgyz Republic, small businesses, including a leather shoe company called Cobbler, are finding support in USAID and AKF’s Enhancing Employability and Civic Engagement of Youth (EECEY) project, also known as Demilgeluu Jashtar.

Demilgeluu Jashtar is helping expand job opportunities for young people and stem the flow of migration by providing youth with sought-after job skills through leadership training, business acceleration programs, social entrepreneurship classes, and more.

Cobbler

Small businesses and entrepreneurs play a key role in our society. They create jobs, drive economic growth, and innovate to improve lives.

In the Kyrgyz Republic, small businesses, including a leather shoe company called Cobbler, are finding support in USAID and AKF’s Enhancing Employability and Civic Engagement of Youth (EECEY) project, also known as Demilgeluu Jashtar.

Demilgeluu Jashtar is helping expand job opportunities for young people and stem the flow of migration by providing youth with sought-after job skills through leadership training, business acceleration programs, social entrepreneurship classes, and more.

Supporter Reflection

Amir Dodhiya

Amir Dodhiya

“I have been a long time supporter of AKF not only for the outstanding work it does but also for the nature of the organization helping communities throughout the globe.”

Local Flavor: Kyrgyz Republic

Besh Barmak

The national dish of the Kyrgyz Republic is Besh Barmak. Meaning “five fingers,” Besh Barmark is eaten with the hands and is typically made on festive occasions, such as birthdays. The dish is made up of noodles topped with broth and your choice of meat.

Try the recipe from Who Noms the World and post a photo of your meal on social media using #AKFVirtualVoyage.

Local Flavor: Kyrgyz Republic

Besh Barmak

The national dish of the Kyrgyz Republic is Besh Barmak. Meaning “five fingers,” Besh Barmark is eaten with the hands and is typically made on festive occasions, such as birthdays. The dish is made up of noodles topped with broth and your choice of meat.

Try the recipe from Who Noms the World and post a photo of your meal on social media using #AKFVirtualVoyage.

The Backseat

Көп жаша! means Live Long!

Staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is important around the world.

These illustrations were created in the Kyrgyz Republic to help share important information about how to stay healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These messages are important for people in the United States too!

Can you tell what each illustration is about? Double click the buttons to check your answer!

an illustration of a woman helping an older person with a cane put on a mask

Wear a mask

an illustration of two phones, one containing a young woman in traditional Kyrgyz clothes and the other a young man in Kyrgyz clothes. They are chatting.

Stay connected to family and friends

A young man in traditional Kyrgyz clothes feeds and pets a white cat. His computer is in the background.

Take a break from screens

Explore the Virtual Voyage with activities made just for kids.

Download our activity pack below to learn more about the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Kenya!

Share the Journey

Post about your Virtual Voyage experience using #AKFVirtualVoyage on social media. 

Proudly Sponsored by

Transformational Sponsors

Jubilee Franchise Inc.

Mid South Business Alliance

Visionary Sponsors

Atlanta Retailers Association
Highgate Charitable Foundation logo
Jewelry Unlimited

Changemaker Sponsors

Alabama Merchants' Association Logo

Center for Cosmetic and Sedation Dentistry

Copy Shop

Gold-N-Diamonds/Silver Depot

Integrated Business Finance

Mamdani Foundation

Ukani Brothers

Leadership Sponsors

Fuel America
Global Fuels Ltd.
Kumon Logo
Plains State Bank
Prompt Urgent Care
Silver Eagle Houston Logo
Starr Insurance Agency

Utz Quality Foods

Impact Sponsors

Anita Halani

Famous Gold
Florida Retailers Association logo

Frito Lay

Monster

Pay Koncept

Premium Distributors

Red Bull

Republic

Community Sponsor

Ali Law Group Logo

Gowani Medical Associates

Hotel Development & Mgmt Group, LLC