Meerim Osmonalieva

PCF Oasis Kyrgyzstan

Oasis was registered in the Kyrgyz Republic as a non-governmental organisation in 2008, building on the foundations of work done previously with children living on the streets of the capital city, Bishkek. Each year about 450 young people leave residential care in the Kyrgyz Republic. Many migrate to towns and cities to find work where they find themselves economically disempowered, unable to participate in democratic processes or contribute to society, and are vulnerable to involvement in crime, recruitment by extremist groups, to prostitution and being trafficked. Oasis' theory of change is that with an improvement in legislation, and with better information that is easily available to all, this marginalised group will be more economically empowered, better able to participate in society and be less vulnerable. Therefore, Oasis is involved in: -Advocacy, engaging with parliament and government ministries -Developing improved information and training for young people and orphanage staff -Providing practical support to young people as they start to live independently through casework support and activities at our youth centre Oasis works in the Kyrgyz Republic to improve lives through providing support, opportunity and hope.