Over 3.5 million somoni raised to help children with developmental disabilities by UNICEF Gala Dinner participants in Dushanbe

The first UNICEF Charity Gala Dinner in Tajikistan successfully raised 3,600,981 somoni to support early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities or those at risk of developmental delays.

The significant funds raised are earmarked for opening 26 new Early Intervention Centers (EIC) in various regions of Tajikistan. This initiative aims to provide crucial support and services to vulnerable children, helping them become more independent. UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan Arthur van Diesen emphasized that early intervention, while not a miracle, yields visible progress within months with specially trained staff.

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It is important to understand that early intervention is not a miracle. However, it helps a child become more independent considering their condition.

The gala included a vibrant charity auction, featuring exclusive items donated by various entities. One of the most sought-after lots was a private tour of the Louis Vuitton museum in Paris, accompanied by philanthropist Natalia Vodianova, which sold for 115,000 somoni. Other auction items included unique jewelry, signed sports memorabilia, and artwork by renowned Tajik artists.

Several organizations committed to financing new EICs, with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) pledging to fund five centers. Partners like TGEM, Dushanbe City, the “Paykar” supermarket chain, Investment and Credit Bank (ICB), and the Crowne Plaza hotel provided significant support for the event. All auction lots were generously donated to aid children with special needs in Tajikistan.

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Over the years of working with early intervention departments, we have seen how specially trained staff of the early intervention departments, which we opened jointly with the Ministry of Health, achieve visible progress in just a few months.