European Commission Directorate General for Inte : Strengthening capacities of the RED Crescent Society of Kazakhstan and civil society organisations to contribute to local development in Kyzylorda region

• The mapping of active CSOs in Kyzylorda region was completed. 4 trainings on fundraising, communications and advocacy, project planning, monitoring and reporting, HR management, public relations and social mobilisation for 12 selected CSOs.

• 5 000 people - including people with disabilities, students, members of multi-children families - received training on first aid, disease prevention and disaster risks.

• 170 volunteers from youth and wider population were trained to support RCSK work with communities.

• 10 round-table meetings with local authorities, representatives of the business sector, civil society and population expanded participation of the civil society actors and citizens in development processes.

• 15 CSOs along with local government authorities conducted 14 mini-projects on the territory of 4 oblasts and conducted advocacy campaigns.

• The IFRC strengthened the capacities of staff of the RCSK Kyzylorda Branch and 12 selected local CSOs in key areas so as to enable them to promote interests of their target groups and support quality project performance and accountability.

• The Kyzylorda Branch of the RCSK has expanded cooperation with the local Emergency Department in terms of disaster preparedness of the local population and disaster response capacity-building.

• The Kyzylorda RCS Branch and local CSOs joined the Civil Alliance (CA) as members. The Branch and CSOs conducted important activities with support from the CA, namely for HIV and AIDS prevention among youth, promotion of national values etc.

• The first national conference for CSOs organised by the IFRC and the RCSK in Kyzylorda at the end of 2015 became a dialogue platform for 32 participants from 7 regions of the country.