Volunteer work in Tajikistan
Tajikistan is the poorest of the former Soviet Republics. VSO started to work in Tajikistan in 2007, ten years after its five-year civil war. The main areas VSO works in are Health and Secure Livelihoods.
Mass migration during and after the civil war has left Tajikistan with a marked shortage of trained and experienced health professionals. VSO's main aim in Tajikistan is to improve access of vulnerable groups to adequate medical and social services – including specialised services targeting people with disabilities. Skilled VSO volunteers, such as nurses and preventative health specialists, will support healthcare providers to develop new services, including health awareness programmes that focus on prevention and hygiene.
More than 64 per cent of Tajikistan’s population lives below the poverty line; a percentage that is concentrated in rural areas. The few existing job opportunities are generally limited to agriculture. Degradation of natural resources – evidenced by soil erosion, water salination and deforestation – is a growing concern as the scarceness of arable land combines with a steadily growing population. A further concern is continued competition from countries such as China.
VSO offers volunteering placements to experienced professionals with agricultural and management skills to work mainly with non-governmental organisations to support local communities to use their natural resources in a more sustainable way.
