US aid to education - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 6

Largest Makerspace Opens in Kyrgyzstan with U.S. Support

The Makerspace Learning and Design Centre, part-funded by the U.S. government, opened at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek on June 24. As reported by the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) American Schools and Hospitals Abroad initiative, Bard College, and American University of Central Asia funded the centre’s construction. The Makerspace is a creative space equipped with high-tech equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics kits, and sewing equipment. Open to AUCA students as well as scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and developers, the centre will provide facilities for users to network, learn, exchange ideas, create prototypes, and attract investors. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, announced: “Makerspace is a place where technologies become accessible to everyone, and innovative projects become reality. There are many creative and progressive people in Kyrgyzstan who urgently need opportunities offered by the space to realize their potential and benefit society.” USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission Director Kaya Adams praised the new facility saying, “We are especially proud of our partnership with the American University of Central Asia. This new building will strengthen AUCA’s international, diverse learning community and multidisciplinary learning approach. It will bring together creative thinkers of differing nationalities, ethnicities, gender, and professional backgrounds, including people with disabilities, to forge innovative solutions.”

Entrepreneurship Women-owned Enterprises International Cooperation business and economy US aid to education

U.S. Program Promotes Women Entrepreneurship in Turkmenistan

On June 8, participants in the first Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Turkmenistan submitted their business proposals to a panel of experts in Ashgabat. The event marked the conclusion of the AWE program launched by the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan in partnership with the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan in March this year. As reported by the U.S. Embassy, the ‘graduation’ ceremony was the culmination of three months’ work, consisting of an online business course developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, weekly face-to-face sessions, and the development of a business plan. AWE is a U.S. State Department program that provides women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and access required to start and grow successful businesses. The first 50 Turkmen graduates of the program now join a global community of over 25,000 AWE alumnae. Opening the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Vaida Vidugiris said: “We are so pleased that this year, Turkmenistan joined more than 100 participating countries of AWE. I am especially proud that this program took place not only in Ashgabat, but also in Dashoguz, Mary, and Turkmenabat where we have our American Corners. It underscores our belief in the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs who, with the right support and resources, can transform economies, uplift communities, and inspire future generations.”

International Cooperation US aid to education English language teachers

New U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers Arrive in Kyrgyzstan

On 11 June, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek announced the arrival of 22 U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Trainees in Kyrgyzstan to support English language education in secondary schools in the country’s Chui, Naryn, Issyk-Kul, Talas, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions. Invited by the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Education and Science, the trainees are the 30th Peace Corps cohort to serve in Kyrgyzstan since the launch of the initiative in 1993. The new group brings the number of Peace Corps Volunteers and Trainees in the country to 53. Prior to starting work, the trainees must embark on an eleven-week course to familiarize themselves with Kyrgyzstan’s educational system, Kyrgyz language and culture, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and providing lessons with local teachers. On completion of the course in August, the participants will be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers and begin their two years’ service enhancing the teaching of English alongside local teachers across the country.

International Cooperation US aid to education Language Teaching

US Donates 12,000 English-Language Books to Schools and Libraries in Kyrgyzstan

The United States has donated over 12,000 English-language books to 30 schools, libraries, and universities in the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken regions of south Kyrgyzstan. The much-welcomed project is the initiative of a collaboration between the Rotary Club of the Fergana Valley, the Women’s Peace Bank Public Foundation, Osh State University, the U.S. Embassy, and the Kyrgyz government. The Rotary Club of Annapolis’ “Books for International Goodwill” project played a key role in securing book donations. The donation includes books for all ages – children to adults – and covering a wide range of subjects, is an invaluable resource for learning the English language. “These books are more than just paper and ink,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Lesslie Viguerie. “They are keys that unlock the world of English language learning and bridges connecting the people of the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States.” The donation was further praised by Akylai Karim, Project Leader at the Rotary Club of Fergana Valley and Women Peace Bank, who announced: “This initiative is a celebration of the Kyrgyz-American friendship, trust, and collaboration. It will have a lasting, positive impact as youth learn English by reading these books and dream big about their future.”

US aid to education Kyrgyzstan Turkmenistan Tajikistan Kazakhstan Uzbekistan

First-Time Graduates of U.S. Program for English and Professional Skills in Central Asia

Last weekend, young and mid-career professionals in the energy and environment sectors, celebrated their completion of the U.S.-funded regional C5 + Opening Networks through English (C5 + O.N.E.) program. Spread throughout Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, they were the first graduates of a nine-month intensive course in English and professional development implemented by the American Council for International Education with support from U.S. embassies. A total of around 1,100 participants in three cohorts are currently enrolled in the program which operates throughout Central Asia. The US Embassy in Kyrgyzstan reports that 189 professionals throughout the country are currently enhancing their English and professional skills through three weekly classes, supplemental field trips and online seminars. Some participants from Kyrgyzstan’s Cohort One are due to present their advanced, final projects at a regional C5 + O.N.E. conference this September in Tashkent. Cohort Two students will graduate in August 2024, and Cohort Three, will complete their studies later in November. Outlining the objectives of the U.S. government’s unique regional project, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Lesslie Viguerie stated: “C5 + O.N.E. is a testament to the U.S. commitment under the C5 + 1 diplomatic platform to advance shared goals among Central Asian nations. This program builds networks that are essential in today’s globalized world.”

Uzbekistan US aid to education English language teachers

US Helps Train 18,000 English Teachers in Uzbekistan

In an announcement made by the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan on 20 April, Tashkent, it was stated that a four-year programme conducted by the U.S.-supported English-Speaking Nation (ESN) has trained over 18,000 English teachers to work in secondary schools across Uzbekistan. Costing $7 million, the joint initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Preschool and School Education, implemented by American Councils for International Education, offered intensive professional development and advanced teaching methodologies to enhance Uzbekistan’s English teachers’ provision of language proficiency. As a result of the project, 452 teachers attained internationally- recognized certificates through the 140-hour, TESOL Program. A further 693 English teachers participated in a specialized 60-hour course to become trainers and mentors, forming a network of expert teacher trainers across the country to support their colleagues. Celebrating the project’s success, U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick said, “Teachers report the program improved their lesson planning and supported their efforts to become leaders in their school communities. Principals praise teachers’ innovative teaching methods. Students are speaking more English and developing stronger language skills.”