OSCE Centre in Ashgabad

Strengthening border management
As part of its programme for strengthening border management in Turkmenistan, since 2006 the Centre has been assisting with the training of border security officials on the proper use of X-ray detection systems and physical search.
Computer-based training courses, which were held at the Customs Training Centre, included simulations and live exercises in detecting contraband and evaluating goods using X-ray scanners. Participants learned about using new technology, interpreting images and carrying out physical searches.

In 2007, the Centre also continued to support projects aimed at combating drug trafficking and organized a series of training courses in drug search, detection and identification. The courses were held at Turkmenbashy sea port, and in Ashgabad and Serakhs, near the border with Iran.
Officials from Turkmenistan's State Border and Customs Services, and the Ministries of Interior and National Security were trained in modern techniques for finding drugs hidden in railway cars, trucks and containers, as well as on ships. Drug testing and identification techniques were emphasized.

Since 2004, the Centre has supported combined English language and computer training for customs officials. The project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the EU TACIS programme, aims to strengthen the capacity of the State Customs Service to establish proper control over the flow of goods and people across Turkmenistan's borders.
English language and computer skills are increasingly important as Turkmenistan updates its systems and procedures to ensure effective cross-border trade and to combat terrorism and international trafficking.

Computer resource and training centres for administration and educational organizations
The OSCE Centre is assisting with the furnishing of regional centres in Ashgabad, Turkmebashy, Mary, Dashoguz and Turkmenabat with modern computer equipment and, through training activities, strengthen the professionalism of local and regional administrative staff. The resource centres also provide much needed Internet access to regional administration and education professionals.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the EU TACIS programme.

Courses on international human rights law
Since 2001, the Centre, in co-operation with Turkmenistan's National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, has organized courses on international human rights law for various civil servants and government representatives. The courses, which bring together representatives of the prosecutors' offices, city and district courts, as well as the Ministries of Interior, Defence, and National Security, aim to acquaint participants with international human rights documents and ways of incorporating international norms into the national legal system.

In autumn 2007, the Centre organized a course on human rights law for students of Turkmenistan's Magtymguly State University.

Supporting youth development
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabad supports youth development in Turkmenistan through local organizations and co-operation with other international organizations and presences. Activities focus on offering opportunities for children and young adults to develop important skills and build co-operative relationships.

In 2007, the Centre has continued its co-operation with the "Keik Okara" NGO in Ashgabad, and a resource and educational centre in Annau, and began to support the "Aòly Adam" centre, all of which offer English and computer classes, and a range of other activities that support healthy lifestyles, leadership skills and community co-operation. All of these activities as well as access to the centres' resources and special events are offered free of charge to young people from the local community.

The Centre's Information Unit offers access to computers, the Internet and printed materials related to the OSCE and its principles, as well as special events and trainings, a number of which are directed at youth groups and young leaders.

During the summer and other school breaks, the Centre supports a variety of camps and other events focused on such issues as healthy lifestyles, environmental protection, civic education, drug and HIV prevention, and leadership skills.

Promoting gender equality
To promote gender equality, the Centre supports projects aimed at raising gender awareness and empowering women. With its support, the "Keik Okara" NGO organized training courses on gender for more than 200 youngsters. Following this course, Keik Okara launched an art contest to further promote gender equality. With the skills acquired during the course, participants designed posters addressing gender disparity, social prejudices and means to combat them.

In 2007, the Centre supported the Tech Age Girls (TAG) project. Implemented by IREX in co-operation with the US Peace Corps, the project provided young women the opportunity to develop their information technology skills and take leading roles in their communities. As part of the project, participants took part in internships at international organizations and companies, and developed project ideas aimed at community development in their home towns.


Training and pilot micro-credit fund for farmer's associations
The Centre continued to support the voluntary farmers' associations (VFA) project in 2007, in co-operation with EU TACIS. The network of VFAs, having received seed capital and training in a micro-credit scheme designed for Turkmen villages, has expanded its activities. In addition to the financial support, the Centre organizes training courses in business planning, agricultural management and computer literacy for members of the VFAs.

Ecology camps in Khazar
Environmental protection and education were the focus of a series of ecology camps that the Centre assisted in organizing in 2006 and 2007 in the city of Khazar on the Caspian Sea. These events brought together schoolchildren to learn about environmental problems and nature preservation. The children took part in training sessions, debates and quizzes, as well as in practical exercises along the sea shore, where they collected litter and shared their knowledge about environmental protection with tourists.

Seminar for women entrepreneurs
In October 2007, the Centre organized a one-day seminar for women entrepreneurs in the south-eastern Mary region. The event, which focused on strategic planning and marketing, brought together business owners, representatives of local government and members of initiative groups. The training familiarized participants with best practices in Central Asian countries and the tools needed to start a business.

The seminar was the first of its kind, and the Centre plans to facilitate small- and medium-sized enterprise development in other regions of Turkmenistan by organizing similar seminars at the provincial level.