[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Social Cohesion through Community-based Development Project, a four-year project funded by the World Bank and Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA), will research and strengthen social cohesion in the Kyrgyz Republic. The term social cohesion refers to the process of strengthening communities so people can work together to resolve shared challenges in a way that promotes a sense of trust, peace, and security.

Understanding social cohesion and its impacts on development outcomes and human security is of special importance in the Kyrgyz Republic. In 2010 outbreaks of ethnic violence in the country’s southern regions destroyed lives and sowed mistrust amongst different communities. By partnering with the World Bank, we hope to better understand and measure how local participation and community engagement affect social cohesion.

This project will be implemented by a coalition of partners including AKF Kyrgyzstan, the Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP), the University of Central Asia, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The project will research local contexts for social cohesion in the provinces of Osh and Naryn and examine past programs around the globe focusing on similar issues. It will also catalyze local capacities for research. Key points of interest include MSDSP and its work encouraging participatory planning on the allocation of public resources. Currently, MSDSP creates new spaces for civil society to interact with local government. This leads to service deliveries that respond to communities’ needs and priorities. Examples include a new kindergarten in Kabyk, Chong-Alai district. By examining these kinds of activities, this project aims to capture and share how and if such methods of participatory planning actually strengthen social cohesion in local communities.

After completing the initial research, the project’s partners will use the knowledge gained to design and implement a range of social programs that establish and manage community-based projects. The studies, which are continuing as the projects are implemented, enable partners to gain and share valuable data on how different interventions generate results for building social cohesion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Related Content” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”6″ item=”5947″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1511990829788-bda80fac-1c94-1″ taxonomies=”244″][/vc_column][/vc_row]