Great ideas need the right guidance to turn into successful businesses. To strengthen entrepreneurship and promote self-reliance among vulnerable communities, a comprehensive five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program was held at the Educational Centre for Training Afghan Citizens in Termez district from July 27 to 31, 2026. This training was jointly organized with the Uzbekistan-Japan Center, and the United Nation Development Programme project, “Promoting Economic Activities in Surkhandarya Region through Supporting Self-Reliance of Vulnerable People including Afghan People.”

The 90 graduates, including local Uzbek citizens and Afghan residents, are now equipped to train others in their communities. Through this multiplier approach, they are expected to reach 3,000 vulnerable individuals across the Surkhandarya region over the next three years. By passing on these skills, they will help families establish their own small businesses, create local jobs, and achieve true financial independence.

What They Learned
Led by expert trainers from the Uzbekistan-Japan Center (UJC), the 30-hour intensive program was highly practical. Participants learned how to:

• Turn ideas into action: Identify and use what is already available in their local communities to start small businesses.
• Create unique products: Apply the effective "One Village, One Product" (OVOP) approach to help local goods stand out in the market.
• Go digital: Use simple, low-cost tools and social media to find new customers.
• Be great teachers: Guide and effectively train others, even those without formal education or prior business experience.

This initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, proves that investing in people is the most effective way to build a stronger, self-reliant community.