Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan remains mired in the economic and political stagnation of the Communist years. Scant economic liberalization exists, slowing growth throughout the country. The federal government is gradually acknolwedging the positive impact of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to both strengthen local markets and emerge as an model for advocacy for other reforms. There are few secular organization in the country and most opposition has come from extremist Islamic groups, which have resorted to violent demonstrations. There are few civil society organizations and citizen groups due to intense public restrictions on organizational structure and composition.
Partners joined with the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) in a USAID-funded program, Civil Society Support Initative (CSSI). This three-year project was designed to support the development of civil society throughout the country by giving small grants and training to various community-oriented NGOs. Seven Civil Society Support Centers were created in Uzbekistan as locations for resources, assistance, meeting space and other services for burgeoning NGOs.
Partners work was extremely challenging because of government restrictions on international and local NGOs. The Uzbek CSSCs developed innovative strategies to work towards the CSSI goal to strengthen democratic culture. For example, by re-structuring as a commercial organization, Samarkand CSSC was able to organize a very successful conference on inclusive education for disabled children, with educators, students, disabled activists and government officials as participants. For instance, one school principal, who spoke out against inclusion at the beginning of the training, suggested his school be the first inclusive model in the country at the end of the training. By focusing on specific sectors and practical local activities, the Uzbek CSSCs surmounted serious obstacles to support democratic culture in the country.
