Kamala Umakhanova is a resident of Balakan District. After obtaining her first higher education at Moscow Economics University, she returned to her hometown and worked as an accountant. Following a period of downsizing, she searched for employment in other institutions but was unable to find a job matching her qualifications in the region. Subsequently, she completed professional development courses at the Azerbaijan Teachers’ Institute and began working as a history teacher in a village school.

“My parents raised us to be versatile, always advising that if you can master multiple skills, you will never fail in life. I have a music education and can also work as an artist. Since the working hours at the village school were not extensive, I was always on the lookout for opportunities to increase my family’s income,” she said.

In 2017, the “Support for the Development of Small Family Businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala Economic Zone” project was launched through the Balakan Regional ABAD Center by “ABAD” in collaboration with UNDP and the European Union. From the specified region, 44 families were selected, with 66% engaged in handicraft production and 34% involved in food production.

The selected families and “ABAD” staff participated in 13 training sessions aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills. As a result of these trainings, participants gained expertise in areas such as small and medium business development, product certification and monitoring, packaging and logistics, branding and sales, international trade for small and medium-sized businesses, international communication, anti-corruption measures, integrity, and gender equality.

To enable the production of market-demanded products, the selected families were provided with small-scale equipment and production tools within the framework of the project.

Kamala Umakhanova was among the selected participants. She chose to focus on carpet weaving for her training and was provided with a loom and threads as part of the project. She now professionally weaves souvenir-sized carpets.

“After signing a contract with ABAD, I began producing and delivering not only carpets but also national souvenirs. I am working toward further perfecting my craft. I even have students now in carpet weaving,” she stated.

It should be noted that, within the framework of the “Support for the Development of Small Family Businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala Economic Zone” project by “ABAD,” UNDP, and the EU, the products of 44 “ABAD” craftsmen are sold through “ABAD” ethno-boutiques and stores.