A youth camp to support the promotion of tolerance amongst youth from all across the Republic of Tajikistan was held in the Academy of Sciences’ resort area (Vahdat district), from 8-18 October 2012.

The 11-day event was organized by the international charitable peacebuilding organization “International Alert”, in cooperation with the Committee on Youth Affairs, Sport and Tourism of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, and with financial support from the British Embassy to Tajikistan.

The camp drew together over 50 male and female youth participants aged 18-25, coming from the Khatlon, DRS and Sughd regions of the Republic of Tajikistan. The main goal of the youth camp was to increase the awareness and knowledge of tolerance and civic education among the participants. This is the third camp organised by International Alert in collaboration with the Government of Tajikistan. The first two were in 2010 and 2011.

The agenda and content of the youth camp were prepared in fruitful cooperation with the Committee on Youth Affairs, Sport and Tourism, which supported the transparent selection of youth camp participants from many districts of the country, on the basis of a publicly announced competition.

The camp was designed to promote the spirit of peace, unity, tolerance and dialogue among youth from different regions of the country. It served to increase their knowledge about a range of topical youth issues, such as the decision-making structure and functioning of the Tajik State, the main rights and obligations of citizens, healthy life-style, including the issue of drugs addiction, gender, youth and migration, educational / job opportunities, as well as increased youth participation in society.

During the youth camp, participants were encouraged to play sports together and to unlock their artistic and creative potential. Volunteers from among the youth participants also had the possibility to jointly produce and screen entertainment and information TV/radio programmes about the camp activities.

The youth participants had the chance to receive knowledge from leading local specialists and trainers, but also to exchange their experiences and skills with their peers. The camp agenda also included meetings with representatives from official State bodies as well as international organizations, providing
the youth participants with a great opportunity to discuss relevant issues with respected experts.

International Alert wishes to express its surprise about an online media article which alleged that the youth camp was not authorized. International Alert received the necessary agreement and permissions from relevant State institutions. International Alert has always acted transparently and in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Tajikistan.

An official closing ceremony was held on Thursday 18 October 2012 at 17:00 at the youth camp location.

http://www.international-alert.org