Life in Dagestan

The Muslim republic of Dagestan is home to more than 36 nationalities and is largely tribal.  The least urbanized of the Russian Republics, its oil, gas, and coal reserves are largely untapped and have therefore not stimulated any economic growth - and its mountainous terrain makes travel, communication, and development extremely difficult. Low-level guerilla warfare emerged in 2000 and has claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed the economy. Despite its inherent problems, Dagestan has received thousands of refugees – particularly Chechens – looking to escape violence back home.  Already poor, the Dagestani communities are ill equipped to absorb this population influx, especially along the Chechen border where resources are stretched to the breaking point. 

Helping Communities Help Themselves

Enabling Self Reliance       
Dagestan has high levels of unemployment, especially among youth who graduate from an educational system ill-equipped to help them succeed in the local job market. International Medical Corps is part of the support network for unemployed youth in Dagestan, helping them to acquire professional know-how through vocational and life skills training, public health education, and training in business and non-governmental organization (NGO) management.

To inform and develop curricula for occupational skills training courses, International Medical Corps implemented a baseline study and used the results to identify the occupations that are currently in demand and most likely to be needed over the next two years in Dagestan.

You Can Help Build Change That Lasts

While humanitarian assistance in the North Caucuses no longer focuses on emergency relief, support for the region’s long-term development is fundamental to its recovery.  Your support will help the thousands of Chechen refugees and their strained host communities build livelihoods and self-reliance.  CLICK HERE to help Dagestan and other programs worldwide.