During March 7-9, 2025, AFEW International organized several training sessions on the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach for facilitators from Georgia and Uzbekistan in Istanbul, a city strategically located between Europe and Asia.
The training was part of two European Union-funded projects: “Rights and Resilience: Empowering Georgia’s Community for Inclusive Change” and “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uzbekistan.” These projects aim to strengthen the capacities of civil society, namely of women and youth in Uzbekistan, and foster inclusive change in Georgia, with a strong emphasis on community-driven development.
What is ABCD?
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a strategy and methodology for sustainable, community-led development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on addressing deficiencies, ABCD empowers communities to identify and build on their own strengths, resources, and potential—often referred to as their “assets.” By shifting the focus from needs to assets, communities are able to take control of their own development, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability.
Since 2024, AFEW International has been incorporating the ABCD approach into its projects across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The goal is to ensure that communities in these regions can drive their own change by recognizing and leveraging their existing strengths.
An intensive learning experience
These three days were packed with engaging and intensive activities, blending both theory and practice. AFEW International trainers familiarized the participants with the principles of ABCD and then encouraged them to apply these ideas through various insightful exercises, reflective discussions, and energetic brainstorming sessions. These sessions not only provided diverse participants with practical tools but also helped create a collaborative atmosphere where partners from Georgia and Uzbekistan could share experiences and practices, gaining new insights and inspiration from one another.
We thank all the participants for their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout this training. Your commitment to creating lasting positive changes in your communities is truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing our work together and integrating the ABCD philosophy and process into our work to benefit the communities we serve!
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of AFEW International and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
