Mirsaid Uzakov is a 24 years old activist from Fergana. He has been involved in volunteer activities since early school age, and is one of most active volunteers of UNDP’s Resource Center in Fergana. In 2010 Mirsaid joined Y-PEER, a peer-to-peer educational network supported by UNFPA.
This year, Mirsaid was chosen among his peers to participate in “Master Forum of Social Services” held in Gorniy Altay of Russian Federation. Along with activists from Russia, and other Central Asia republics, Mirsaid took part in training activities, went on a hiking tour to mountains and rafted down the “Katun” river. Mirsaid Uzakov was awarded an honorable title of “The Forum Hero” – best participant of Master Forum 2011.
Today, Mirsaid tells his story, shares thoughts about the Forum and explains what volunteerism means for him.
“I always dreamt of becoming a lawyer, or diplomat, or well-known tennis-player, or cinema actor, but ended up in Philology school in Fergana University where I successfully graduated from in 2010.
Still, my artistic skills played a role – I have always eagerly participated in school performances and actions. One day a classmate invited me to participate in New Year staging at children’s home. I had to play a malicious robber who has stolen speaking computer from kids. This action was organized by volunteers of Fergana Resource Center, and since that time volunteerism has become a part of my life, and we all felt like one big family.
Later I conducted free training on basics of computer literacy and Internet, and I am still doing that if somebody needs help with his or her PC. I think teaching people skills for free is something that makes you and the world around you a bit better, and this feeling is my biggest motivation up until now.
I am often asked what I am most proud of in my volunteer activity. Well, I am simply proud of being a volunteer. Volunteerism is my highest ideal, I think one needs courage and strong will to make things that change the world for better, and to invest their own time and efforts, for free.
Throughout these years, I participated in a number of activities, including training on computer skills for people with disabilities, educational sessions on healthy lifestyle for students and school kids, mini-projects and many others.
In April 2010 I was invited for ToT on reproductive health held by Y-PEER and supported by UNFPA. This was the first time I’ve learned about Y-PEER and its activities and since then I have become a part of the network.
In August 2010 I and my team have won a grant for realization of small advocacy project on reproductive health in Fergana. Our project was called “STOP AIDS! Our choice is Life!” UNFPA also supported several volunteers to participate in training on project development and advocacy in Bulgaria.
The “Master Forum of Social Service” where I participated in August this year, was organized by NGO “Siberian initiative” and supported by Y-PEER and UNFPA. I was so proud and happy that I was selected among several other candidates from Uzbekistan to participate in this exciting event!
The forum was held in beautiful mountains of Gorniy Altay. For all of us, volunteers from Russian and neighboring countries, the Forum has become an unforgettable experience. We could learn from each other’s experience and share our own skills. The camp charged me with a lot of positive energy, and I am eager to continue working for the pledge of volunteerism.
The forum is being held annually, so I do hope other members of Y-PEER Uzbekistan will have the possibility to take part in it in the coming years.
My wish for all active young people of Uzbekistan would be: Share the spirit of volunteerism, do not stay aside and be active! Offer a helping hand to those in need, and engage others into the circle of kindness and volunteerism!"
Mirsaid Uzakov, Y-PEER activist
