Tajik Cultural Event
20
January 20, 2018 added a new chapter in The Foundation for a Better Life’s history, when a Tajik Cultural Event took place at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in London, U.K. The event was sponsored by the Chairman of The Foundation for a Better Life USA.
"Arrangements for music, dance performances, and display of Tajik crafts. "
The Chairman’s Tajik friend Mumtaz, who resides in the United Kingdom, marketed the event through social media and also made arrangements for music, dance performances, and display of Tajik crafts. The response to the Tajik Cultural Event was overwhelming, with almost 100 people in attendance.
The guests were comprised mostly of Tajiks representing several nations, including Tajiks from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and China. The event received a warm reception from visitors, who expressed appreciation and provided positive feedback indicating that FBL initiatives will make a significant impact on reducing unemployment for people in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).
"Create awareness among them about the work of FBL in Tajikistan."
The primary purpose of holding the event was to bring together Tajiks living in the United Kingdom into a socially interactive setting, and to create awareness among them about the work of FBL in Tajikistan.
The Chairman of the Foundation for a Better Life, Mr. Jalal Sultan, shared the following information with the audience:
1. The Foundation was registered on August 17, 2017 in Khorog, Tajikistan, and since then has established an office, a Training Center, and a Multipurpose Resource Center.
2. FBL Tajikistan has started two homebased pilot projects – a bakery project and a dumpling project – both being operated by women in Khorog.
3. FBL has trained eight other women in art of tailoring, and as a result of the training, all of them have found employment.
4. In addition to the above, FBL started English language teaching classes for Bartang Valley students who are currently studying at State University in Khorog. These students first learn English, and then teach the language to students in their own respective villages.
The presentation was very well received by the audience. Some guests even expressed their desire to see FBL expand its work into Afghanistan.
"become involved in the foundation through fundraising and volunteering."
After the questions and answers session, Mr. Dagi Dagiev from Tajikistan welcomed guests and explained the importance of this golden chain which connects people through an institution such as FBL. He thanked the Chairman for establishing FBL in Tajikistan and for the positive impact FBL has made on several Tajik communities. Mr. Dagiev encouraged the audience to become involved in the foundation through fundraising and volunteering.
Before concluding, he introduced Dr. Abdul La’lzad, a professor at London South Bank University who is originally from Kishim, Badakhshan in Afghanistan.
Dr. La’lzad referred to a phrase from the FBL Presentation ‒ “A thousand miles journey starts with the first step” ‒ and said that “if everybody takes a small step to help the people, we can achieve great things.” He emphasized the importance of
helping vulnerable populations by supporting organizations such as FBL. Additionally, Dr. La’lzad invited the FBL Chairman to consider expansion into Afghanistan. He pointed out that since FBL is already present in Khorog, and Afghanistan is just on the other bank of the river, only a small bridge needs to be
crossed.
"The valley of Hunza was transformed, from being the region with the lowest per capita income in Pakistan to now having per capita income above the national average."
Finally, Mr. Nizam Abdulla, the former Vice President of Aga Khan Council UK, spoke about geographical similarities between Tajikistan and Northern Pakistan. He explained how the valley of Hunza was transformed, from being the region with the lowest per capita income in Pakistan to now having per capita income above the national average, as a result of AKDN intervention in
developing this remote part of the country. The program ended with social interaction, cultural dances, and music.
The Foundation for a Better Life was established in USA in 2011. It is a non-profit & tax-exempt institution and has a presence in three countries: USA, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. The sole purpose of FBL is to alleviate poverty by using various means, including training, education, access to micro credit, micro entrepreneurship, and developing innovative solutions suited to the specific needs of beneficiaries. It also abides by the laws of the countries it operates in. It does not discriminate by color, caste, creed, gender, or political affiliation. Over seven hundred families have been served since its establishment.