News

New computer centre brings joy and hope for refugee and Tajik children

On a cold day in Vahdat, a town 25 km from Dushanbe, thirty boys and girls of various ages waited patiently outside a classroom at the Youth Centre. They had arrived early in the morning to participate in the opening of the Community Technology Access (CTA) centre, by UNHCR and its partner in Tajikistan, “Refugee Children and Vulnerable Citizens” (RCVC).

Despite the weather, UNHCR and RCVC received an enthusiastic welcome from the children who greeted them with a warm welcome speech in English and Tajik poetry. They were visibly excited about the CTA which can accommodate more than 60 refugee and local children who will have the opportunity to study the basics of using the computer, such as Word, Excel; they will also be able to access the internet.

“Education is very important for refugee children. Being uprooted, they have to obtain new skills, often learn a new language and possess computer knowledge, in order to be able to have a job in the future” – said Mavjuda Rakhmanova, Director of the NGO RCVC.

In order to better equip the CTA, UNHCR donated 10 computers, where a professional teacher can now conduct regular lessons in computer literacy.
Kevin Allen, UNHCR Representative in Tajikistan remarked:  “This project showcases the best of the Tajik spirit and international solidarity, welcoming refugee youth to learn, to play and to develop alongside Tajik boys and girls. The smiles and friendships observed today transcend borders and politics, inspiring hope for a brighter future.”

Tajikistan currently has 2,300 asylum seekers and refugees, predominantly Afghan, some of whom have lived in the country for many years. Vahdat, in the Republican Subordination, hosts the largest number of refugees in Tajikistan where more than one thousand refugees reside there. Tajik hospitality has allowed asylum seekers and refugees to live in their communities, find jobs, send their children to school and rebuild their lives, although there is still much work to do in order that they can truly achieve long term and sustainable future in the country.

In the meantime, UNHCR and its partner RCVC have been supporting the more vulnerable refugee families amongst others, by providing Cyrillic classes and some material support to children in order that they can follow the curriculum and remain in school. Refugee children attending local schools are already paving their way to integration by learning the same subjects, having local friends and participating in activities such as those offered at the CTA and Youth Centre.

“My parents cannot afford to buy computer, and I am so glad that I am given such a chance to study for my better future” – said one of the refugee children, a first-time user of the CTA.