Philemon House
Philemon House became a Professionals International project partner in February 2023 to bring more awareness and raise funds. Philemon House continues to make a difference in their region and local communities. The project finished with Professionals International in August 2024 as it finished up its agreement.
Significant Challenge (s)
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with a population of 6.7 million people. It declared its independence from the USSR in 1991. However, a quarter of the country’s population still lives below the poverty line.
With all of these economic difficulties and nearly 1 million finding work in other countries, social challenges such as domestic violence, forced marriages, lack of resources and education for those with disabilities, etc. remain a deep concern. And according to an Amnesty International report, there were 14 crisis centers in the country. All but one are based in the towns of Bishkek and Osh. Experts note that the centers are under-resourced.
Satisfying Solution
To help others address the various concerns of the region, Philemon House turned a Soviet-era kindergarten into a bed-and-breakfast in 2002 that provides a quiet oasis for travelers visiting Bishkek and beyond. The guesthouse is a support service for volunteers who are addressing many social needs/problems, such as: poverty, health, domestic abuse, orphans/homeless, community development, treatment of and care for the disabled, education, micro-business development, etc.
Volunteers have a secure, restful, family-friendly, and affordable B&B accommodations in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where they can rest during travel abroad and/or while meeting regional needs.
They joined PRINT in 2023 primarily to raise funds to install a new water line through their property and to raise awareness of their accommodations for traveling social impact workers.
Business Geared Toward Decent Work, Economic Growth, and Inclusive Communities.
Target: Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value (adapted from 8.5)
Target: Promote access to safe and affordable to short-term stay housing (Adapted from 11.1)
“Measured By” Outcomes
February 2023 - August 2024
Amount of Grant Given
“What Does Your Donation Go Towards?”
Stories of Substantial Benefits
In 2023, Philemon House celebrated a significant milestone with the successful installation of a new water line, marking the end of a challenging and intricate process. This achievement, which involved obtaining multiple permits and coordinating with various government offices, resolved a serious code violation. The old water line had been running beneath one of the guest rooms, creating potential safety hazards. This upgrade not only ensures compliance with regulations but also enhances the safety and comfort of the guests who rely on Philemon House as a sanctuary during their travels.
One example of someone who used Philemon House was Rob and Charity, dedicated volunteers teaching in the high-altitude, economically challenged city of Naryn. Their work with high school students—many of whom pursue higher education—demands unwavering commitment. Philemon House provides them with a crucial space to rest, resupply, and reconnect with their former students now studying in the capital.
Philemon House often hosted linguists who continued a vital work of fostering a cultural identity and heritage of the Kyrgyz people. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyz was at risk of fading as young people gravitated towards Russian for education and social status. However, the involvement of foreign linguists in translating educational materials into Kyrgyz played a pivotal role in elevating the language's prestige. Today, there is a renewed pride in Kyrgyz, with even those educated in Russian seeking to relearn their native tongue.
In 2024, Philemon House took a meaningful step in expanding its impact by partnering with the Kyrgyz Charitable Foundation "YAVNA" to support girls aging out of the orphanage system. The house now offers a safe haven for several young women transitioning to independent adult lives, providing them with stability and support during this critical period.
Philemon House became a Professionals International project partner in February 2023 to bring more awareness and raise funds. Philemon House continues to make a difference in their region and local communities. The project finished with Professionals International in August 2024 as it finished up its agreement.
