In Tajikistan, while many vulnerable groups experience psychological problems, cultural norms often prevent them from seeking help and place them under intense societal pressure. To address this problem, and improve the confidence and self-image of people in her community dealing with mental health challenges, Nargis Toymastova —a pediatrician turned psychiatrist—decided to start Tajikistan's first private psychological center: Azbuka Lichnosti, or "alphabet of self."
Accelerate Prosperity invested $2,500 to help her rent an office space, start small, and test her idea, before scaling her business up.