The Forum Hero - UNFPA-Supported Activist Awarded at Youth Forum in Russia
Mirsaid Uzakov is a 24-year-old activist from Ferghana, whose exemplary efforts in the field of volunteer work have been recognised and rewarded by UNFPA. He has worked as a volunteer since his early school years, and has been one of the most active volunteers of UNDP’s Resource Centre in Ferghana. Following his years of working to support others less fortunate than himself, Mr. Uzakov joined the UNFPA-support peer-to-peer education network Y-PEER in 2010.
This year, Mr. Uzakov was chosen from among his peers to participate in the ‘Master Forum of Social Services’ held in the Gorniy Altay region of the Russian Federation. Joining activists from Russia and the Central Asia republics, Mr. Uzakov took part in training activities, hiked in the region’s mountains and rafted down the “Katun” river. He was awarded the ‘Forum Hero’ title, establishing him as the best participant of the Master Forum 2011.
Today Mr. Uzakov tells his story, sharing his thoughts about the forum and explaining what volunteerism means to him.
“I always dreamt of becoming a lawyer, a diplomat, or a well-known tennis-player or cinema actor, but I ended up in the Philology School of Ferghana University where I successfully graduated in 2010,” Mr. Uzakov said.
“Still, my artistic skills have always played a role in my life. I always eagerly participated in school performances and actions. One day a classmate invited me to participate in a New Year performance at a children’s home. I was asked to play a malicious robber who had stolen a speaking computer from children. This performance was organised by volunteers of the Ferghana Resource Centre, where we all felt like one big family, and since that time volunteerism has been a part of my life.”
“Later I conducted free training regarding the basics of computer literacy and Internet, and I am still offering this service if somebody needs help with their PC. I think teaching people skills for free is something that makes you and the world around you a bit better, and this feeling has always been my biggest motivation,” he said.
After his years of volunteering experience, Mr. Uzakov takes great satisfaction in being able to help others.
“I am often asked what I am most proud of in regards to my volunteer work; I am simply proud of being a volunteer,” he said. “Volunteerism is my highest ideal. I think one needs courage and a strong will to do things that change the world for better, investing their own time and effort for free.”
“Throughout these years I have participated in a number of activities. These have included 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 a ToT on reproductive health, held by Y-PEER and supported by UNFPA. This was the first time I had learned about Y-PEER and its activities, and since then I have become a part of the network.”
“In August 2010, my team won a grant for the realisation of a small advocacy project on reproductive health in Fergana. Our project was called ‘STOP AIDS! Our choice is Life!’. UNFPA has also supported several volunteers who participated in a training course in Bulgaria, which addressed project development and advocacy.”
Participating in the 2011 ‘Master Forum of Social Service’ has given Mr. Uzakov a vital opportunity to meet like-minded volunteers, while learning from the experiences of others.
“The ‘Master Forum of Social Service’, which I attended in August this year, was organised by the NGO ‘Siberian Initiative’ and supported by Y-PEER and UNFPA. I was so proud and happy that I had been selected among several other candidates from Uzbekistan to participate in this exciting event!”
“The forum was held in the beautiful mountains of Gorniy Altay. For all of us, including volunteers from Russia and its neighbouring countries, the Forum was an unforgettable experience. The event gave us a chance to learn from each other’s experiences and to share our own skills. The camp provided me with a lot of positive energy, and I am eager to continue working for the pledge of volunteerism.”
“The forum is held on an annual basis, so I hope that other members of Y-PEER Uzbekistan will have the possibility to take part in coming years.”
“My wish is for all active young people of Uzbekistan to share the spirit of volunteerism, to not stand aside and to be active! My wish is for them to offer a helping hand to those in need, and to engage others in the circle of kindness and volunteerism!”