Nargiza, The 18-Year-Old Peacemaker

Nargiza, 18, now has the skills to facilitate conflict-resolution trainings "to empower other Uzbeks in a peaceful way." Photo: Alissa Zwanger/Mercy Corps

Life is full of conflict, says 18-year-old Nargiza. As an Uzbek resident of Central Asia’s Ferghana Valley, she’s experienced more than her fair share of ethnic violence and unrest. The Ferghana Valley is home to more than seven million Uzbeks, Kyrgyz and Tajiks, who coexist within a haphazard patchwork of national borders in the region’s most densely populated area.

“But not all conflict is detrimental,” says Nargiza. “Conflict is often a catalyst to take a bad situation and make it better.”

Her youthful confidence is a result of training she received from Mercy Corps in how to mitigate conflicts. Equipping people in the Ferghana Valley with the skills they need to peacefully resolve conflict is a major part of Mercy Corps’ implementation of the USAID-funded Community Action Investment Program (CAIP). The CAIP program works to alleviate potential sources of conflict by promoting dialogue, improving standards of living and facilitating cooperation among communities in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

So far, Nargiza has used her skills to resolve a complaint that her school’s female students lodged against some disrespectful male counterparts. She’s also conducted conflict-resolution trainings with youth and local leaders, and hopes to hold sessions in communities who might be arguing over water rights or feuding over young people’s role in community decisionmaking. Her approach: “Stop arguing. Have a productive conversation. Break down the topics. Find the root problem and prioritize steps to a solution.”

The first conflict Nargiza addressed was in her own home, where she lives with her parents, grandmother and three siblings. Her parents disapproved of her participation in the Youth Community Action Group, a team critical to bringing about change in their community. Nargiza’s parents preferred that she stay at home, but did permit her to attend meetings and trainings. Eventually, they understood Nargiza’s desire to get youth involved.

“Even after Mercy Corps leaves, I will still be working with conflict,” says Nargiza. “I was taught a real skill and appreciate being able to empower other Uzbeks in a peaceful way.”