The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has carried out the renovation and furnishing of the Vocational Training Center affiliated with the Lao Women’s Union in order to enhance women’s vocational skills and increase their participation in economic life.
Within the scope of the project, the design room and exhibition hall of the center in the capital Vientiane were renovated. A modern and functional space was created where women and disadvantaged young girls can receive vocational training, showcase their traditional products, and engage in sales activities to strengthen their social and economic inclusion.
Established in 1955, the Lao Women’s Union is recognized as one of the most influential institutions in the field of women’s rights and gender equality in the country. The Union conducts significant activities, particularly in rural areas, by providing training in sewing, embroidery, weaving, and entrepreneurship to support women’s participation in social and economic life.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Vice President of the Lao Women’s Union Lavan Southisan stated, “Through such collaborations, our women are able to generate income for their families and find new markets for their products. On behalf of the Lao Women’s Union and all Lao women, we extend our gratitude to Türkiye.”
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Vientiane, Oya Yazar, emphasized the significance of the project coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Lao Women’s Union and said, “This initiative is a testament to Türkiye’s contribution to the welfare, development, and progress of the Lao people, particularly women.”
TİKA’s Director of the Department of East and South Asia, Pacific, and Latin America, Dursun Ali Yaşacan, underlined that “the most meaningful form of development cooperation is inclusive and sustainable. Therefore, our projects in Laos do not focus solely on infrastructure or technology but particularly on historically underrepresented and underserved groups.”
In 2023, TİKA, in cooperation with the Lao Women’s Union, had also provided equipment support to the State Cotton Enterprise and organized monthly sewing and embroidery courses. Women who successfully completed the courses were given basic equipment to establish their own businesses.
Laos, categorized by the United Nations as one of the “Least Developed Countries,” continues to face challenges regarding women’s access to education and economic opportunities. Through this project, TİKA aims to contribute to Laos’ development goals while supporting women’s empowerment and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established five greenhouses in the city of Jenin as part of the “Palestinian Turkmen Agricultural Production Project”, which supports agriculture and employment in Palestine.
A significant portion of the Turkmen population, who settled in Palestine at various points in history and now number nearly 40,000 in the West Bank and Gaza, earn their livelihood through agriculture and animal husbandry. However, the cancellation of work permits in Israel following its attacks on Gaza has left many Turkmen unemployed.
Launched in 2016 with TİKA’s support and carried out in cooperation with the Palestine-Turkmen Friendship Association, the project established five agricultural production greenhouses to strengthen solidarity among Palestinian Turkmen and sustain their livelihoods. The initiative aims to create employment opportunities for Turkmen families in the region while also increasing the association’s income sources.
Association President, Muhammad Turkmen, highlighted the importance of this support from the people of Türkiye during the worsening socio-economic conditions in Palestine, expressing his gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye and TİKA.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), hundreds of patients received free oral and dental health services from volunteer Turkish doctors as part of a health program in Uganda.
In cooperation with TİKA and the Friends of Africa Association (TADD), a team of volunteer healthcare professionals and specialist doctors from Türkiye carried out a twelve-day technical visit to Jinja Central Hospital in the city of Jinja.
During the visit, 961 patients were examined; 947 teeth were extracted; 70 root canal treatments were performed; 193 fillings were applied; and 111 dentures were fitted. In addition, advanced surgical procedures, including emergency interventions for jaw and facial injuries, fixation of jaw fractures, and the removal of precancerous lesions, were successfully performed.
Practical training sessions were conducted
As part of the project, a total of 15 surgical procedures were carried out, including the extraction of 15 impacted and fractured teeth. Four local dentists working at Jinja Central Hospital also received hands-on training in surgical interventions, tooth extractions, and emergency prosthetic treatments. To support the sustainability of these services, the medical supplies used during the training were donated to the hospital.
