On Friday, September 22, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) proudly marked the culmination of a transformative journey with the close-out event for the Thrive Tajikistan: Partnership for Socio-Economic Development program, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Office in Tajikistan. 

The event was held at Qasri Farhangi in Danghara and presided over by AKF, USAID, and Government of Tajikistan.

Over the last five years, the Thrive Tajikistan program has reportedly significantly improved the quality of life of over 190,000 men and women in 16 districts of Tajikistan along the country's border with Afghanistan, spanning the Khatlon province and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

Thrive Tajikistan addressed a wide range of economic and enabling infrastructure needs across Khatlon province and GBAO, including sustainable access to clean water, sanitation, health, education, and energy services.  Additionally, it fostered the growth of the agriculture sector, catalyzed small and growing businesses, and improved financial services and local governance.

Ms. Safarova Ohimgul, the Principal of School #20 in Safedoron village, Panj District says: "The construction of the school latrine and drinking water supply system uprooted infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever and malaria.  Students are not missing school now due to waterborne diseases.  Our girls and boys are enjoying clean and safe sanitation facilities, which are contributing to improved learning outcomes.”

The Thrive Tajikistan: Partnership for Socio-Economic Development program (2018-2023) was generously funded by USAID and AKF and executed in partnership with the Government of Tajikistan, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Health Services, Pamir Energy, University of Central Asia’s School for Professional and Continuing Education and Mountain Societies Research Institute, Accelerate Prosperity, Mountain Societies Development Support Program, Republican Institute for Professional Development in Education, and a myriad of community-based organizations.

USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a lead actor driving development results.