Employees of the Mahalla committees of Uzbekistan provide timely support to vulnerable groups among the residents of border areas. Thus, effective communication skills and knowledge of the basics of psychological first aid are necessary competencies for employees of Mahallas.

From 20 to 22 May, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a training of trainers on communication, development of emotional intelligence and provision of psychological support for the representatives of Mahallas who directly work with the population residing along the Uzbek-Turkmen border.

BOMCA 10 experts introduced effective communication methods to the participants, stressed the potential of emotional intelligence methodology, as well as providing tools on psychological first aid. It is expected that the newly developed skills will further support the employees in effective communication with people residing in the regions they are responsible for.

This activity was organised in the framework of the Programme’s Component 4, “Improvement of Cross-Border Cooperation”, and is aimed at improving living conditions in border areas through local economic development, with a focus on human rights, gender equality and vulnerable groups.