Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan was part of the Soviet Union and gained its independence in 1991.
It's one of the poorest countries of Central Asia and one of the most corrupt countries in the world. People are struggling to make a living with high inflation and unemployment rates. Oasis is currently in the process of setting up work among street youth in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital city.
The overall aim of Oasis Kyrgyzstan is to help the government find better solutions in dealing with homeless and imprisoned youth, both in prevention and rehabilitation work, as well as with young prostitutes and trafficked girls.
Salamat's Story
16-year-old Salamat had a rough time at home. Her parents weren't working and couldn't provide for their five children. Salamat often fought with her parents and decided to run away with her best friend. She lived on the streets and soon got involved in prostitution.
One year later she got pregnant and decided not to abort her baby girl. Through our Oasis worker, Thirza, an adoptive family was found for the little girl. Salamat was mentored and given the opportunity to learn a trade as a hairdresser. However, soon she gave up her course and decided to run away with her girlfriends to Almaty, a bigger city in Kazakhstan, about four hours north of Bishkek. They did not have passports but were trafficked across the border and worked there as pickpockets and prostitutes.
Salamat, at this time 19 years old, returned to her parental home when she got infected with tuberculosis. She spent half a year in a hospital and got better. She then contacted Oasis with the desire to change her life and find a job. The team has decided to finance a designer course for her, which she is currently doing with great enthusiasm. Thirza meets with her every week to monitor her progress as she continues her studies.
Life is still not easy for Salamat at home where money is scarce and the fights frequent, but she'sdetermined to stick with it and find a good job after she has finished her course. Eventually, Salamat plans to work as a designer in one of the most prestigious clothing design companies in Kyrgyzstan!
