Creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening the role of civil society often go hand in hand. This was at the heart of our recent information session on the Youth Sail project, a new long-term initiative that will bring together young people and non-governmental organizations from across Kyrgyzstan. The session attracted over 120 registrations, with more than 70 representatives attending.
Over the next 36 months, the project will unfold through two interconnected programs, with a shared goal: to empower youth and support NGOs in building stronger, more sustainable structures for civic engagement. Special attention will be given to supporting young people and women in Bishkek, Karakol, Osh, and across the regions of Chui, Talas, Batken, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul.
The project is implemented by Culture Goes Europe (CGE) in partnership with local organizations, with the support of the European Union. Together, we aim to create spaces for learning, collaboration, and long-term impact.
One of the core components of the project is a training program for young people aged 18 to 30 who are interested in developing skills as trainers in human rights education. Over the course of 10 months, participants will take part in a learning journey that combines a summer educational camp, online courses, mentoring, local practice, and an advanced training, followed by a conference. The idea is not only to build knowledge, but to support young people in applying what they learn within their own communities.
Alongside this, the project includes a dedicated capacity-building program for NGO staff, designed to strengthen organizational development and support collaboration with youth trainers. This program will run over a longer period, combining trainings, online learning modules, local practice, and opportunities such as mini-grants and a study visit to Germany. Rather than focusing only on individual skills, the program looks at how organizations themselves can grow, adapt, and become more sustainable.
During the session, we also presented who this program is for. It is aimed at NGOs working with youth, women, and local communities, especially those who are ready to invest in their development and explore new opportunities at both national and international levels. At the same time, it seeks to support organizations in building trust within their communities and strengthening their partnerships.
We also walked participants through the application process and selection criteria. A total of 15 NGOs will be selected, with attention to regional representation, including organizations from southern regions, Chui and Talas, as well as Issyk-Kul and Naryn. The selection will consider not only experience, but also the motivation and capacity of organizations to apply what they learn in practice and to commit to the full duration of the program.
The application form will be shared online following the information session, with a deadline set for April 12, 2026. Selected organizations will be announced at the end of April, after which cooperation agreements will be established.
What stood out during the session was the strong interest from participants and the shared understanding that investing in both young people and NGOs is essential for long-term change. By connecting individual learning with organizational development, the Youth Sail project aims to create a network of young trainers and resilient organizations that can support each other beyond the project itself.
We are looking forward to the next steps and to working together with motivated young people and organizations across the country.
The project YOUTH SAIL Kyrgyzstan (reference number: NDICI HR INTPA/2025/488-581) is funded by the European Union.
