Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – On June 5, 2013, the results of the third round of the Passport to Success (PTS) life skills program will be released, demonstrating improved life skills among vulnerable youth living in residential institutions such as boarding schools and orphanages.  The findings will also show the results of community service projects undertaken by participating young people. 

This event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. at the Bishkek Gymnasium at #1, A. Kanimetova Orphanage (625 Jibek Jolu St., Assembly hall). Representatives from the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Social Development, international organizations, civil society, and participating residential institutions will attend the event.

Passport to Success is part of the Jasa.kg program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the International Youth Foundation (IYF).  Jasa.kg engages a generation of young people in building a stable, prosperous, and democratic society in Kyrgyzstan.  IYF developed the global PTS program to equip young people (ages 14 to 21) with the skills to help them stay in school and acquire the education and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace and in life.  Currently active in 18 countries, PTS has been translated into 15 different languages.  In the Kyrgyz Republic, 720 young people in 27 residential institutions throughout all seven provinces have completed the PTS program since April 2012.  58 teachers were trained to implement the PTS program, which includes 47 life skills lessons specifically adapted for youth in residential institutions, covering a range of topics including behavioral development, good health, workplace readiness, and problem-solving.  To supplement the topics covered through the program, PTS participants had the opportunity to visit local educational institutions, theaters, and businesses; and applied their teambuilding skills through 33 community service projects.

At the presentation, PTS participants will demonstrate what they learned from their experience in this program, and will also perform a skit and a concert.  At the end of the event, participants will be presented with certificates for completing the PTS program.  During the event, youth will also have the opportunity to participate in master classes presented by well-known Kyrgyzstani citizens. 

To confirm participation in this event, please contact: Ainura Japarova, Communications and Outreach Specialist, mobile: +996 771 406 119, e-mail: a.japarova@iyfnet.org

The Jasa.kg program of the International Youth Foundation catalyzes a generation of young people to actively engage in building a stable, prosperous and democratic Kyrgyzstan through a package of services designed to support young people. The program has three primary objectives: inspiring active citizenship among Kyrgyzstan’s youth, preparing youth for the job market, and creating a culture of positive youth development. For more information please visit: http://www.facebook.com/jasa.kg

This program is one of many assistance programs supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). For more information about USAID, please visit our website at: www.usaid.gov