A working visit of the Volunteer Development Project Coordinator in Turkmenistan was conducted in Turkmenbashi city

On 13–14 July, Gavrilova, the Coordinator of the Volunteer Development Project in Turkmenistan, conducted a working visit to Turkmenbashi city, Balkan Velayat. The main objectives of the visit were to monitor the implementation of the project, assess the current activities of volunteers, and conduct a two-day training seminar for volunteers from Turkmenbashi city and Turkmenbashi etrap.

As part of the monitoring activities, a meeting was held with volunteers from Balkan Velayat, Turkmenbashi city, and Turkmenbashi etrap. During the meeting, participants shared information about their activities within the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan.

The volunteers noted that they actively participate in educational and social activities. Their main areas of work include raising public awareness, participating in socially important initiatives, and providing support to different groups of the population.

At the same time, the monitoring revealed that fundraising is one of the areas requiring further development. Previously, volunteers had little experience in attracting resources to support and implement their initiatives.

To strengthen the participants’ competencies, Project Coordinator Gavrilova conducted an information session on the basics of fundraising. Volunteers received practical guidance on how to start fundraising activities, identify needs, prepare information announcements, communicate with potential partners, and ensure effective and transparent use of received financial and material resources.
Special attention was paid to the principles of accountability and transparency in fundraising activities, which are important for the sustainable development of volunteer initiatives.
One of the key activities of the visit was a two-day training seminar on the topic “Life Skills”. At the beginning of the seminar, participants discussed the questions: “What are life skills?” and “What types of life skills exist?”
During the training, volunteers learned about the main categories of life skills, including communication and relationship skills, planning skills, critical thinking skills, and decision-making skills.
Participants discussed the importance of these skills in everyday life and volunteer activities. Special attention was given to developing the ability to effectively communicate with others, plan activities, analyze information and make responsible decisions.

The seminar used interactive learning methods, group discussions  and practical exercises allowing participants not only to gain new knowledge but also to apply it in practice.
As a result of the working visit, the activities of volunteers in Balkan Velayat were monitored  areas for further development were identified and methodological support was provided to project participants. The knowledge and recommendations gained will help volunteers expand their opportunities, improve the effectiveness of their initiatives and contribute to the further development of volunteerism in the region.
The conducted activities became another important step towards strengthening volunteer capacity and promoting a culture of volunteering in Turkmenistan.