Parents speak with others facing similar barriers
“For the first time, I felt heard,” said Nazgul, one participating mother. Meetings combined discussion for adults with activities for children nearby. For families facing expensive journeys to services and isolation in rural communities, the groups created a regular opportunity to exchange information and seek support. [1]
Families help shape support plans
In April 2025, UNICEF described a separate Suzak pilot launched in 2024 with three ministries. A team combining health, education and social-support expertise worked with children and their families. Parents joined the team’s work and participated in preparing individual family support plans.
Village groups continue meeting
A December 2025 report followed families in Kyzyl-Tuu, where UNICEF and Aymira had established self-help groups. Parents met once or twice a month, attended workshops with psychologists and stayed connected through messaging groups. Aymira community mobiliser Islambek Riskulov described efforts to connect families with local support.