10 September 2008 – AKIpress
Ambassador of Norway to Central Asia Mette Kongshem accompanied by Nurjehan Mawani, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Representative for the Kyrgyz Republic, visited AKDN programs in Osh oblast – Aga Khan School and Central Kindergarten #69 which has been renovated and expanded by Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mayor’s office of Osh city. The delegation also got familiarized with activity of other AKDN agencies including: Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP KG) of Aga Khan Foundation, First Micro Credit Company (FMCC) and Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB)
On the second day, Ambassador Kongshem accompanied by Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani and Governor of Osh oblast, Aaly Karashev visited MSDSP KG programs in early childhood development, rural support and public health promotion in mountain communities of Alai and Chonalai rayons.
“Visiting AKDN programs in Osh oblast and in Alai and Chonalai, I was extremely impressed by the high quality of these programs in the social, economic and educational sector, especially in remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic. The programs clearly have a positive impact on improving significantly the living standards of the local communities. The programs are efficiently run and well worth supporting” – said Ms. Kongshem.
Underlining the long-standing relationship between Norway and AKDN, Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani commented: “We are very pleased that the Ambassador has had an opportunity to see for herself the results of the important partnership between communities, local Government and AKDN and we look forward to Norway joining us in these efforts”.
In the frame of this visit, the Ambassador has already met Akims of Alai and Chonalai rayons and Governor of Osh oblast. She intends to visit the University of Central Asia in Naryn next week, as well as to meet students and masters at “Ustat-Shakirt” center, a program of Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia in Bishkek.
Ms. Mette Kongshem is also planning to meet with wide circle of Kyrgyz authorities and parliamentarians in Bishkek to look at possibilities for future cooperation.
His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for social development is in excess of US$ 300 million. In Kyrgyzstan, more than 600 people, most of who are local citizens, work within AKDN and its various agencies.
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