From November 17-19, 2025, a delegation from the Kyrgyz Association for Adult Education (KAEA), along with partners, visited Tajikistan on an exchange visit organized by DVV International. The purpose of the visit was to study successful practices in adult education, develop professional contacts, and discuss future areas of cooperation.
During the visit, we visited vocational training centers, businesses, and educational institutions in the Khatlon region, Nurek, and Bokhtar. We were particularly impressed by the work of the Crafts Development Center in Sebiston and a similar center in Nurek. These institutions demonstrate an effective model for combining theory and practice, supporting women, youth, and vulnerable groups in developing professional skills and increasing economic independence.
Visits to the Nurek Hydroelectric Power Station, the Pomegranate Garden, the Dairy Plant, and the Vocational Training Center in Bokhtar allowed us to see the close connection between educational programs and the needs of the real economy.
An important part of the trip included meetings at the Crafts Development Center under the Ministry of Labor, Migration, and Employment of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Academy of Public Administration. These institutions demonstrated a systematic and consistent approach to training and professional development.
On the final day, we gathered at a roundtable with DVV International to discuss prospects for joint work, the exchange of professional practices, the development of courses to meet labor market demands, and opportunities for foreign language training.
As a result, we reached important conclusions:
Practice-oriented training improves the quality of adult education.
Partnerships with businesses make programs more effective and relevant.
The use of digital solutions expands access to education, including in remote regions.
Supporting vulnerable groups plays a vital role in their economic empowerment.
"The study tour was an important step in expanding cooperation and sharing experiences. I am confident that the knowledge gained will contribute to the further development of adult education in Kyrgyzstan and strengthen partnerships between our organizations and countries." - Gulzhamal Urkunbaeva, Executive Director of KAEA.