Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Nine grant agreements were signed between the World Bank and civil society organizations of Uzbekistan. The funding for the projects is provided from the Civil Society Social Development Fund.

Activities supported by the CSF intend to promote civic engagement in enhancing the dialogue, dissemination of information and facilitate partnerships with key players in support of the economic and social development process. The overall aim for the CSF Program-2010 is to create conditions in the country for upbringing healthy and harmoniously developed generation, and realization of the young people’s creative and intellectual potential.

Loup Brefort, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan noted that the money, provided by CSF are just a drop in the bucket of funding for activities and ideas that need to be implemented on the ground. But even with this small money civil society organizations manage to help people who are in the most need. This type of work requires highest level of dedication, commitment and enthusiasm from people working for public good.

During the event the recipients of the CSF-2010 received consultations on grant related legal issues from the representatives of the Center for Legal Issues Study and subsequent training on “Monitoring and Evaluation of Small Projects” provided by the trainers of the World Bank Institute.

The following SCOs will receive funding for their winning projects:

• “UMIDVORLIK” Center for Support Children with Disabilities, Tashkent
• Khorezm branch of Uzbekistan Association on Reproductive Health, Urgench
• Navoi branch of Uzbekistan Association on Reproductive Health , Navoi
• “OPA-SINGILLAR” District Society of Disabled Women, Kibrai, Tashkent oblast
• Penchak Silat Sport Club, Namangan
• “ZERAFSHAN” NGO, Samarkand
• Red Crescent Society, Angren
• Housing Owners Partnership, Urikzor makhalla, Tashkent,
• Red Crescent Society, Kokand

Social Development Civil Society Fund Program (CSF) (former Small Grants Program - SmGP) was created in 1983 to provide a way for the World Bank to promote dialogue and dissemination of information about international development outside its own operations. In Uzbekistan the Program is implemented since 2000 and it has financed more than 80 projects.