ABOUT

Foundation for Tolerance International

Foundation for Tolerance International (FTI) is a Kyrgyz non-governmental organization working to prevent conflicts and build peace and justice in Central Asia. It grew out of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) "Conflict Transformation and Tolerance Education" project launched in March 1996 in Southern Kyrgyzstan, an area of high conflict potential. FTI was established as an independent NGO in 1998.

FTI has now developed into one of the largest and most experienced local NGO in the region working explicitly and specifically to prevent and resolve conflict. It has a staff of over 30 people, from various nationalities, ages and fields of expertise.

FTI’s success comes from working with and being part of the communities it serves. In addition to the Head Office located in Bishkek, three regional offices are operating from the Southern Kyrgyzstan cities of Osh, Batken and Aksy.

FTI works in the first place for and with communities. Its skills and experience in working intensively on conflict at the community level are unique in Central Asia. The organization’s capacities have been enhanced by working for several years in the same project locations. This has allowed FTI to build strong relationships with local communities, to understand the sources of potential conflict, and to find the most appropriate solutions.

FTI has sound experience in working with the authorities and law enforcement agencies. It strives to involve local officials in its projects, in order to build trust between the population and the authorities and to defuse incipient crises.