OREANDA-NEWS. On 05 June 2008 was announced, that the training "Mobilization of volunteers" was organized for community organizations of Semey city, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and Karaganda regions. Participants from nine regions (Abralynsky, Zhanasemeysky, Abaysky, Beskaragaysky, Kurchatov city, Egendybulak, Maysky, Lebyazhynsky, Bayanaylsky regions) neighboring the former Polygon of Semipalatinsk came to the seminar. This training marks the beginning of educational events in the framework of ғEnhancing Human Security in the Former Nuclear Test Site of Semipalatinsk” project for strengthening social activity in the region.

The project has recently commenced its work in the region and it is carried out by the joint efforts of United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Fund for Population, United Nations ChildrenҒs Fund and United Nations Volunteers together with the Akimat of Semey city and the Akimat of East-Kazakhstan regoin. The project strives to address the problems of social infrastructure through mobilizing and empowering communities, promoting volunteerism and supporting NGOs and CBOs; of economic development through building capacities for enerpreneuship and business skills; and of health and social services through ensuraring access to quality basic health for vulnerable groups.

Mrs. Zhibraeva Zhanna, the National Director of the project gave the opening speech. Ms. Eenjin Batsuren, the Programme Officer of UNV in Kazakhstan, spoke about international experience and the methodology of social activity, which would encourage the community participation in the development of the region where the project takes place. She also stressed out that the success of this UN joint project will depend on community organizationsҒ abilities to involve local population in solving their own regionҒs problems.

The key donor of the project is the Government of Japan.