On this International Youth Day, we at AFEW International celebrate the energy, creativity, and resilience of young people across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. For over 25 years, we have worked hand-in-hand with underserved communities — including youth—ensuring that the younger generation, especially the most vulnerable, are not only heard but are central to building healthier, more inclusive societies.
Our current EU-funded project in Uzbekistan, “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development,” places a strong focus on youth.
In Uzbekistan, where a growing segment of the population is under 30, youth policy is a national priority. The government’s 2016 State Youth Policy emphasizes health, education, employment, and civic engagement, with a strong commitment to inclusion. This aligns closely with the European Union Youth Strategy 2019–2027, which promotes equal opportunities in education and the labour market, active citizenship, social inclusion, and solidarity. The strategy is built around three core pillars: Engage, Connect, Empower — an approach that also guides AFEW International’s work every day.
Within our project in Uzbekistan, we work with young people living with HIV, youth with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence. Together with our partners, we ensure the active involvement of these young people — not only as beneficiaries, but as leaders and changemakers shaping community awareness, empathy, and transformation.
One such initiative in the Fergana region uses theatre as a powerful tool for education, empathy, and dialogue. Young people co-create and perform plays that address stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV, victims of bullying, and survivors of domestic, gender-based, and sexual violence. These performances take place in vocational schools, colleges, Mahallas, and Social Support Agencies — with an aim to reach over 480 community members. Importantly, young people living with HIV and survivors of violence play leading roles as scriptwriters, actors, and facilitators of post-performance discussions.
Another exciting initiative of the project engages more than 1,300 young people in HIV awareness through interactive quiz events — both in-person in 5 regions of Uzbekistan and online. A Telegram-based version of the quiz is also being developed, ensuring the educational tool remains accessible beyond the project’s end and continues to promote knowledge, participation, and youth-driven action.
From theatre to digital innovation, from policy to practice, from training to advocacy — our partners are engaging youth in diverse and meaningful ways. Their voices are shaping programmes, challenging prejudice, and inspiring their peers and communities to act.
As Kofi Annan once said, “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.” At AFEW International, we are proud to stand beside them as they lead that change.
PS. A key element of the methodology within out activities in Uzbekistan is the application of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. This approach emphasizes that community-based organizations and members should take control of their own development by identifying and utilizing their strengths, resources, and potential — their “assets.” Read more about ABCD here.
