For economic or social reasons, the number of early marriages in Kyrgyzstan remains high. According to statistics, about 12% of girls in the country marry before the age of 18.
Early marriage has a very negative impact on the lives and economic opportunities of women and girls, including their education. In rural areas, girls often marry right after school or even before finishing it. These girls typically do not have the opportunity to complete their education, which minimizes their chances of finding work and becoming independent. Thus, these young brides are forced to depend on their husbands even more.
That is why it is so important for these girls to stay in school.
Paradoxically, one way to help young girls and their parents understand the consequences of early marriage may be courses in sewing, cooking, and computer literacy. Such workshops help girls acquire new skills and gain confidence.
Eleventh-grade students at new computers purchased by UNDP
In the village of Shark, in southern Kyrgyzstan, the UN and the European Union, as part of a joint project, are helping a local secondary school combat early marriages. To "keep" girls in school longer and thereby prevent early marriages, sewing, cooking, and computer courses have been introduced in addition to the regular curriculum.
Last year, before the start of these courses, the number of students attending school after the ninth grade was low. In addition, there were only two tenth-grade classes in the school. This year, there are already three tenth-grade classes and the number of students is growing.
Although the courses are primarily designed for young girls, the school has not overlooked the boys. Teachers talk to them about the consequences of early marriages related to health and domestic violence. In addition, boys can also attend these courses.
"Children are interested in doing real work," says Roza Yuldasheva, one of the project leaders. "We have also noticed that the number of students skipping classes has decreased because now they have computers and other new tools."
"Soon, local authorities will fund these school courses themselves, which were organized to prevent early marriages. And next year, these courses will be included in the school curriculum. Just like the current courses, this should help young girls be open to new opportunities," says Sharabidin Tairov, a UNDP specialist.
Adina, one of the students attending sewing courses, says she enjoys coming to the classes and spending her free time there after school. She is currently learning to sew a special glove for baking bread in a tandoor.
"I dream of entering a medical university and becoming a dentist," she says.
When asked if she plans to get married after school, Adina and her classmates respond with cheerful laughter.
Currently, 15 girls are attending the courses, but when the courses become part of the curriculum, they will be mandatory for everyone.
The first group of students is already finishing the courses. They are very happy that they not only learned to sew and cook but also participated and won prizes in the regional competition "Girls in Technology." Despite their different interests and life plans, they all share one common goal – to continue and complete their education.
Source: kg.undp.org
