Crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Help families who have lost everything due to the violence in southern Kyrgyzstan meet basic nutrition and sanitation needs, and rebuild their businesses to move towards self-sufficiency.
* $40,000 of the total funds raised has come from offline sources.
Problem
Violence in Osh and Jalal-Abad has resulted in the destruction of thousands of houses, buildings, and markets. Families want to get back to work but there are limited job opportunities as many businesses were destroyed.
Solution
We have delivered essential relief items, are issuing small grants that allow micro-entrepreneurs to resume business, and will provide families with temporary stipends to purchase basic goods at the local market.
Your impact
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Mercy Corps is in a unique position to respond to the recent events in Osh and Jalal-Abad. Kompanion, Mercy Corps’ Kyrgyz microfinance company, has 852 staff, 90 offices, 110,000 clients and works closely with local community groups and associations all across the country. Mercy Corps is implementing a comprehensive recovery strategy that addresses both immediate needs and long-term economic development.
As an initial response, the organization distributed relief items – such as baby food, soap and bedding – reaching roughly 10,000 beneficiaries. While material aid is essential in the aftermath of a crisis, it can also undermine the recovery of the local economy. Hence, Mercy Corps is preparing to implement a cash-transfer program through Kompanion, which will provide families with an emergency stipend. This will enable them to purchase essential food and household items through local market structures. Cash-for-work programs are also being pursued, pending legal considerations.
To complement the existing activities, Mercy Corps is issuing equity grants to affected micro-entrepreneurs in southern Kyrgyzstan. At roughly $500 USD per business, these grants will be used to repair bazaar stalls and kiosks, replace inventory and cover initial operating expenses. An additional $250 will be allotted to those whose homes were destroyed in addition to their businesses. Restoring this market sector will act as a catalyst for economic activity, an important step in regaining stability and productivity in the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions.
$10 provides a kit of essential hygiene items such as soap and detergent, towels and bedding, a plate and utensils, sanitary napkins, and diaper cloth.
$35 provides families with a one-month stipend to purchase basic food items, strengthening the local markets and economy.
$500 provides a micro-entrepreneur with the capital required to make repairs, replace inventory and resume business activity.
