Silver Spring, Maryland-The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), in cooperation with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is contributing to a project that is enabling women in Tajikistan to learn important professional skills, which will allow them to develop as seamstresses and receive an income.

On February 8, ADRA began to collaborate with Khairia, a local NGO, providing them with raw material for sewing training, as well as clothes for the women involved in the training classes. ADRA contributed 10 bales of clothing, valued at an estimated $3,300. The project will last for three months.

ADRA is also planning to work with 10 additional NGOs in Tajikistan, providing raw material for sewing, and distributing clothing among more than 11,000 persons in need. In total, ADRA will contribute more than 55 tons of clothing and raw material, valued at $369,600.

The project is designed to provide additional development among Tajik women through professional training that will enable them to work and receive an income.

Funding is provided, in part by ADRA International, in partnership with local state authorities, and other NGOs. "We are happy," stated Zafar Muratov, projects director for the ADRA office in Tajikistan, "that the help from ADRA International is being used with great benefit for the women of Tajikistan."

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org