BACKGROUND

Foundation for Tolerance International

The Foundation for Tolerance International understands that conflict prevention and resolution requires a multi-instrumental approach and effective cooperation among state structures, NGOs and international organizations. Thus, in partnership with organizations in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and abroad, the Foundation implements a portfolio of projects, funded by international donors, that promotes peace among different ethnic groups and builds regional dialogue, thereby contributing to the peaceful development in Central Asia.

FTI was officially registered as a non-governmental organization in 1998. The organization grew out of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees' (UNHCR) "Conflict Transformation and Tolerance Education" project in March 1996 as part of UNHCR's strategy on violent conflict prevention. Upon completion of the project, the major beneficiaries of the project, including teachers, local NGOs and local authorities, requested a continuation of the project's activities. As a result of continuing demand and need for the program from cross-border communities of the Ferghana Valley, FTI expanded this scholastic program into a broader community initiative which was replicated throughout the region.

Since its establishment, FTI has managed a diverse portfolio of projects on conflict prevention and resolution, as well as, community development and advocacy. Many of these programs have been focused on the cross-border communities in the Ferghana valley. With its staff of over 30 full-time employees (as of August 2006) FTI has become one of the largest local NGOs in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. To date, FTI is gaining regional and international presence through its dynamic participation in global and regional network initiatives such as, the Ferghana Valley Network, "Dolina Mira" (Valley of Peace) and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict.