"We met in parks, on the streets, even in the mayor's office – wherever we could," recalls Abilbiykhan Kanybekov, the centre's current director. "But even then, we had a clear goal: to create a dedicated space for the youth of Balykchy."

Balykchy was one of ten target locations for a project, agreed upon and approved following consultations with national partners. Around that time, an initiative group of young people in Balykchy approached the mayor's office with a project proposal for a youth centre, and the city council subsequently supported the initiative. Plans and interests aligned successfully, and in 2020, construction of a dedicated building began thanks to support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre opened its doors in 2021.

"Now, we not only have a building but also a real opportunity to change the lives of young people and the entire town," says Kanybekov proudly.

From the outset, the centre's activities have been structured around seven key areas:

• Sport and Recreation: Organising tournaments in football, volleyball, and table tennis for all ages.

• Cultural Enrichment: Showcasing local heritage through ethnic festivals, concerts, traditional dances, and performances of the epic of Manas.

• Environmental Protection: Promoting sustainable development through regular clean-ups, tree planting, and initiatives to raise environmental awareness.

• Charity and Fundraising: Providing vital support to those in need and raising funds for children suffering from serious illnesses.

• Investment and Project Development: Collaborating with international organisations and donors to secure funding for local initiatives.

• Career Guidance and Job Creation: Offering career planning workshops, internships, and employment advice.

• Civic Engagement: Encouraging active participation in local, regional, national, and international community projects through volunteering, forums, and knowledge sharing.

The centre places particular emphasis on social support. Projects designed and implemented by young people themselves are a source of great pride. A prime example is the "Creative Youth" initiative, in which young people put forward their ideas for solving local problems. The centre's active work in project development has not only strengthened international links but has also secured a grant (among 20 competing towns) to build an additional co-working space.

Furthermore, the Ordo centre now offers courses in digital literacy, cybersecurity, app usage, and language skills.

"We received laptops, and now anyone who wants to can come and learn," Kanybekov notes.

The uniqueness and importance also lie in the fact that the centre implements various activities dedicated to the prevention of extremism and radicalism among young people. Before this, schools in Balykchy lacked resources on this important topic. The centre's team developed an educational board game, which was handed over to 10 schools and is also used in the centre itself.

Today, Ordo is one of ten youth centres established through a partnership between UNDP, the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and local authorities. This UNDP initiative was implemented as part of the Action Plan for the implementation of the state programme "Development of Youth Policy for 2017-2020" and aims to empower young people to actively participate in the country's social and economic life.

Across the country, these ten centres have become growth points for youth initiatives. Thanks to the UNDP project, financially supported by the Government of Japan, 225 jobs have already been created. More than 4,000 young people have received valuable knowledge in the areas of conflict resolution and entrepreneurship, opening up new horizons for their future.

"For us, the centre is not just a building. It's the people, young people ,who don't just dream but act. And we will continue to do everything we can to ensure they have the opportunity to do so," concludes Abilbiykhan Kanybekov.

UNDP is currently, in support of the implementation of the Concept of Youth Policy for 2020-2030, jointly with the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic and local authorities, facilitating the opening of 13 youth centres throughout the republic.