Training for citizens to participate in the affairs of local importance

On 7-8 February, 2011 for members of initiative groups of Ivanov AA, 9-10 February 2011 for members of initiative groups Tort-Kul AA were held two days of training on the topic "Training of citizens to participate in the affairs of local importance."

Development Policy Institute

On 7-8 February, 2011 for members of initiative groups of Ivanov AA, 9-10 February 2011 for members of initiative groups Tort-Kul AA were held two days of training on the topic "Training of citizens to participate in the affairs of local importance."
For four days for the 55 people, on following topics:

• The basis of the local self-government.
• Financial and economic foundations of local self-government.
• Municipal property.
• Transparency in the management of municipal finance and municipal property.
• Law "On Access to Information."
• Mechanisms for citizen participation.

The greatest interest of the participants was topics such as: local issues, delegated authority, the local Kenesh and their powers, civic participation, the financial foundations of local self-government and municipal ownership. With no less interest and enthusiasm of the participants discussed the topic on how to ensure transparency in financial management and municipal property. Due to the fact that the participants possessed general knowledge, the training was successful. Another useful aspect of this event was that participants, in particular, members of the Initiative Group, increased awareness and literacy skills to participate in the affairs of local importance, and noted the importance for a coordinated participation on behalf of the community to solve specific problems. The training also helped the members of the initiative group to interact within the group and share experiences between different groups of the initiative groups.
The presented technique and themes helped the participants to think about the problems of interaction between initiative groups and local authorities. Questions were raised about the increasing interest of the initiative groups in work of deputies of aiyl Kenesh, namely, to make the session of aiyl Keneshes accessible, understandable and important for the local community.
By the end of the training, participants learned to work independently with presented handouts, prepared and presented a presentation, which indicated the mechanisms used by the local community in cooperation with the project.