UPG Viewer

26 Years Old

Tajikistan

Female

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Zuhaylo Zulfova, and I began my journey in the Pamir region of Tajikistan, a fascinating place with an array of unique customs and people, many of which mostly remain untold. Stories of Pamir have always captivated me, not only the ones told at the dinner table but also the unsung tales of marginalized groups whose voices are hardly heard. I studied journalism and mass communications at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, because of my early passion for narrating these stories.
I became increasingly aware of the interconnectedness between media, society, and the environment throughout my time in college. More than just an academic exercise, my thesis “Man-Made Disaster: The Impact of Trash Polygon on Bishkek Residents,” brought to light the actual problems that people facing pollution and neglect endure. This experience demonstrated the potent influence that tales have on influencing policy, swaying public opinion, and bringing about change.
But I came to the realization that sharing stories was not enough; I also wanted to contribute to the change that these stories may bring about. This goal drove me to seek a master’s degree in Human Rights and Sustainability at the OSCE Academy. Here, my main goal is to investigate legal systems that protect human dignity while pointing out the holes that permit injustice to persist, especially against women and oppressed groups. How international accords can be applied locally and how the most impacted parties can be given the authority to spearhead change intrigues me.
My academic path and career aspirations are very similar. I looked at how drug laws affected Central Asia as a researcher for the European Union’s CADAP program, which raised important issues with social justice, governance, and human rights. My love for community, advocacy, and study has become a continuous thread as a result of these events. My master’s degree in Human Rights and Sustainability has helped me get a deeper grasp of the legal and ethical frameworks required to bring about long-lasting change, and my love in storytelling has inspired me to investigate how narratives influence public perception and policy. These components work together to support my commitment to using informed action to address social concerns.

Capabilities for Leadership: As president of my class at the OSCE Academy, I effectively led the class in activities such as campaigning for the hiring of a psychologist for the school and arranging community events. Outstanding Communication: My journalism background has given me exceptional written and oral communication abilities, as well as the ability to express difficult ideas to a wide range of people. Advocacy Experience: Research and policy analysis. I have demonstrated the capacity to advocate for great causes based on facts. Community Engagement: As a volunteer with organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation, I have taught English and organized educational events to demonstrate my dedication to developing local communities. Global Perspective: International initiatives, such as the peripatetic EU-funded projects and the European Journalism Summer Institute, have worked to broaden my understanding of the global puzzle of sustainability, which encompasses the majority of the difficulties and their answers. Collaborative Approach: I thrive in team contexts and have had experience collaborating with diverse groups to achieve common goals, such as co-organizing seminars and clean-up efforts in my town. Creativity and Problem Solving: I appreciate discovering fresh and imaginative solutions to challenges. This remark is supported by my undergraduate thesis, which used research and multimedia technologies to promote awareness of waste management challenges.

During my time as student president of my class at the OSCE Academy, I became aware of a major issue affecting the well-being of the majority of my classmates: a lack of mental health resources. Student life, which is filled with academic stress and a variety of personal issues, had created a situation in which most students felt trapped but lacked the proper tools or avenues for seeking help. This technique not only helped me uncover specific concerns, but it also built trust and indicated to my peers that their opinions were valued. The first step was to thoroughly comprehend the breadth and nature of the problem. I performed informal surveys and had one-on-one interactions with classmates to learn more about their difficulties and needs. This technique not only helped me uncover specific concerns, but it also built trust and indicated to my peers that their opinions were valued. With real facts in hand, I began to develop a proposal to present to the administration. I highlighted students’ mental health concerns and made linkages to their academic success, emotional well-being, and general campus environment. To reinforce my case, I looked into best practices from other institutions and underlined the long-term benefits of investing in mental health care, such as increased academic performance and less stress-related illnesses.

I realized the value of collaborative effort in driving change. To obtain additional support, I mobilized my classmates and staff members, pushing them to share their stories and concerns in open forums. This joint effort bolstered the plan and demonstrated the widespread need for mental health resources. After months of hard work, the administration decided to hire a psychologist. This decision was an important milestone since it not only provided critical support to students but also established a precedent for addressing mental health in academic settings. The psychologist’s presence has resulted in a considerable boost in student morale, lower stress levels, and a more supportive school climate.

Yes, I have substantial volunteer experience, which has been both rewarding and transforming.
One of my most meaningful volunteer experiences was with the Aga Khan Foundation, where I taught English in local communities. My responsibilities included creating lesson plans, leading interactive sessions, and customizing the curriculum to different age groups and learning styles. I also worked closely with elders to help them improve their communication skills so that they could better engage with younger generations and take advantage of new opportunities. This experience emphasized the value of patience, adaptability, and cultural awareness, as well as the relevance of education as an empowerment tool. In addition, I routinely work with the Ismaili community in Bishkek, arranging holiday parties and assisting those in need. I’ve helped organize fundraising efforts to help families in financial need, as well as providing educational assistance to people who couldn’t afford to take paid programs. These activities taught me about the value of community and collaborative action in tackling societal issues. Through these experiences, I discovered that volunteering is more than just giving; it is a two-way street in which you gain vital insights, skills, and a better awareness of the difficulties that others confront. It has taught me empathy, resilience, and the value of utilizing my skills to effect positive change. In addition, I routinely work with the Ismaili community in Bishkek, arranging holiday parties and assisting those in need. I’ve helped organize fundraising efforts to help families in financial need, as well as providing educational assistance to people who couldn’t afford to take paid programs. These activities taught me about the value of community and collaborative action in tackling societal issues. As a UPG Sustainability Leader, I plan to apply these skills in my job, leveraging my volunteer experiences to encourage cooperation, create effective programs, and enable communities to contribute to sustainable development.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

In addition, I routinely work with the Ismaili community in Bishkek, arranging holiday parties and assisting those in need. I’ve helped organize fundraising efforts to help families in financial need, as well as providing educational assistance to people who couldn’t afford to take paid programs. These activities taught me about the value of community and collaborative action in tackling societal issues.
If I were to head a sustainability initiative in my community, I would create a “Sustainable Living Hub” to encourage waste reduction, environmental awareness, and community involvement. This center would tackle the essential issue of trash management, which leads to pollution and health risks in my town. The project would raise awareness about sustainable practices through seminars, campaigns, and educational programs, as well as establish tangible efforts such as community-wide recycling programs and organic waste composting facilities. Engaging young people through interactive activities and eco-friendly challenges, as well as cooperating with local companies, would be critical in encouraging sustainable habits such as utilizing eco-friendly packaging.

Regular community action days, such as clean-up drives and tree-planting events, would promote a shared sense of duty and enhance community bonds. The hub’s goal would be to educate and empower people to make sustainable decisions, establish a culture of environmental stewardship, and inspire long-term constructive change. By tackling a critical local issue and bringing the community together, this project would not only enhance garbage management but also contribute to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Implementing the Sustainable Living Hub would surely present problems, but each can be overcome with smart preparation and tenacity. One significant obstacle may be a lack of community knowledge and participation. Many people may be unfamiliar with sustainable practices or do not recognize the importance of adopting them. To address this, I would launch an extensive awareness campaign through social media, local events, and school programs to teach people about the importance of sustainability and the benefits it provides to their lives and communities. Practical demonstrations, such as how to compost or recycle properly, would help to make the programs more approachable and actionable.

Another issue could be a lack of financing and resources to launch and sustain the initiative. To address this, I would seek partnerships with local businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government bodies interested in sustainability. Writing grant bids, holding fundraisers, and developing sponsorship options would all assist get financial support. Engaging the community through volunteer work could help to cut costs while also instilling a feeling of communal ownership.

A third potential obstacle could be opposition to change from individuals or businesses used to unsustainable practices. To address this issue, I would highlight the economic and social benefits of sustainability, such as cost savings from waste reduction and improved health outcomes. Incentives, such as discounts for customers who use eco-friendly packaging or recognition for organizations that implement green practices, may also inspire change.

Finally, maintaining long-term commitment may be difficult because early enthusiasm can fade over time. To remedy this, I would create a feedback loop by soliciting feedback from community members on the hub’s programming and adjusting them to match changing demands. Celebrating milestones, such as lower garbage levels or successful clean-up drives, would also keep people engaged and invested in the project’s outcome. By anticipating these issues and developing proactive methods, I am optimistic that the Sustainable Living Hub will have a long-term, good influence in my community.

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