This woman, born in 1982, graduated from the V.I. Lenin School in the village of Kyzyl-Suu and then studied to become a primary school teacher in Karakol.
“Due to life circumstances, I couldn't work in my specialty. I have a son and three daughters. I received benefits for the two younger ones, but soon I learned about the social contract program and submitted the necessary documents. In 2024, I was allocated 100,000 soms,” Aizada shared.
She invested the funds in her passion—growing flowers.
“I bought seeds, beautiful and high-quality pots, and also spent money on soil, fertilizers, and biohumus. In the greenhouse, more than 15 types of flowers are growing, including azalea, 'women's happiness,' 'men's happiness,' zamioculcas (dollar flower), and begonia. I also sometimes try new varieties,” she added.
Aizada sells her flowers in Karakol and the Jeti-Oguz district at prices ranging from 600 to 2000 soms.
“My 'jene' (sister-in-law) sells flowers in a store, but now, when it's cold, she has temporarily suspended her trade. During this time, she directs her customers to me,” she noted.
The flowers bring her joy and warmth.
“Once, I received an order for two flowers. I delivered one to the city center, and the other I took to the market. Unfortunately, it turned out to be very delicate and froze, so as not to disappoint the customer, I brought her another flower,” she shared.
Aizada has inspired other women to engage in floriculture.
“A friend of my friend came to me and was amazed by my plants. She also wanted to try and is now growing flowers. Caring for plants makes women happy,” Sulaymbekova said.
“I do not plan to stop at what I have achieved. I dream of expanding the range of flowers and opening my own shop to bring joy not only to myself but also to those around me,” she assured.
The project, funded by the International Development Association (part of the World Bank Group), which allocated 30 million dollars (loan), aims to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis that has impacted the purchasing power of families. It provides assistance to families temporarily in difficult life situations and vulnerable groups, creating jobs and income opportunities. The project also includes measures to strengthen the social protection system, which should ultimately improve the effectiveness of assistance to targeted population groups, enhance employability, and expand job opportunities among vulnerable youth.
The loan is provided for a term of 50 years at zero interest.
The social contract strategy is aimed at low-income families throughout the republic and in Bishkek (recipients of "uy-bulogo komok"), with social assistance provided on the basis of a social contract—previously 100,000 soms, and now 150,000 soms.
