30 years, 30+ stories: Kyrgyzstan, a journey to foster creativity

Since 1995, the European Training Foundation (ETF) has been supporting the development of education and training in Kyrgyzstan. By working to increase employability, widen access to opportunities and promote social cohesion, the ETF complements the efforts of the European Union’s External Action Service, supporting the Delegation of the EU to the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic was actively involved as an observer in the ETF's Torino Process, where national teams are working to develop robust reporting frameworks for vocational education and training. As part of the Central Asian Education Platform (CAEP), Kyrgyzstan benefits from peer learning opportunities and evidence-based policymaking initiatives, including regular webinars and ETF-facilitated regional working groups on qualifications systems and labour market alignment.  

Kyrgyzstan is an active participant in ETF networks such as the ETF Network for Vocational Excellence (ENE), Innovative Teaching and Learning (CNL) and SkillsLab. During the event, WoW Colours of Economy, co-organised by the ETF and ITCILO in Turin last October, creative entrepreneur Daniar Amanaliev, a member of the SkillsLab network, brought Kyrgyzstan's aspirations to the fore. 

Co-founder of ololo, a chain of creative hubs in Kyrgyzstan, Amanaliev said: 'Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country, often in the grey zone on maps because there's no data. And this is a very important part for me because I foresee that in this world only those cultures will remain that have enough data, that have enough presence on the internet. In my country, smart people often turn to the creative industries as the best way to produce intangible assets that can be exported globally. For us, the creative economy is about survival and acceleration.'

He emphasised the role of heritage in shaping Kyrgyzstan's future. 'I believe that cultures like mine, rich but underrepresented online, are in danger of disappearing. The creative economy allows us to preserve our heritage while sharing it with the world. Instead of sustainable growth, as in the Global North, what we need in the Global South is "harmless acceleration"'. 

Amanaliev's insights are shared by a growing number of young people in his country. In 2022, the ETF launched DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia), the EU's first regional initiative to support young people in Central Asia. This five-year project focuses on promoting inclusion and strengthening labour market skills, which is closely aligned with the ETF's mission. 

Under DARYA, Kyrgyzstan has made significant progress in the three strategic pillars of the €10 million programme set up by the European Union.

The ETF is helping to carry out a national survey of employers, a project in cooperation with the two ministries of Education and Labour. Recommendations from this analysis are being used to assess skills demand and supply, while graduate tracking initiatives are helping to assess the effectiveness of initial VET programmes. 

Developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with technical support from the ETF, Kyrgyzstan adopted its National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in 2020, providing a roadmap for reform. 'This project has laid the groundwork for linking education with labour market needs, thus improving our ability to prepare young people for evolving job requirements,' said Rasul Abazbek uulu, Deputy Minister of Education and Science.  

Eva Jansova, ETF human capital development expert and country liaison for Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the success of the regional conference on skills and qualifications held in Bishkek last October. 'The event was a landmark for Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. We explored sustainable scenarios for skills cooperation, building on results that show growing intra-regional trade and political will to unlock Central Asia's regional identity.' 

She highlighted the potential for cooperation in creating a regional qualifications framework, quality assurance mechanisms and professional peer learning platforms. 'For these initiatives to succeed, ownership and formalised coordination are essential. Bishkek demonstrated the enthusiasm and willingness of Central Asian stakeholders to chart a common way forward.' 

Abazbek uulu also underlined the importance of regional cooperation, noting that 'Central Asia holds great promise. Through platforms such as DARYA, we can strengthen regional but also global dialogue, especially with the European Union.' 

On qualifications, he remarked that 'DARYA has allowed us better analyse the labour market and ensure that our education system is aligned with real-world needs. The recent launch of our NQF is an important step in this direction.' 

Looking ahead, Abazbek uulu spoke of broader reforms. 'Our new 2023 law, based on an analysis of key competences, modernises primary, secondary vocational and higher technical education. We are giving greater autonomy to educational institutions to innovate and respond dynamically to societal needs.' 

With the introduction of SCAFFOLD in Kyrgyz language, educators in Kyrgyzstan now have access to a flexible, step-by-step EU tool designed to improve the design and delivery of learning activities. The Ministry of Education and Science has been actively involved in teacher training, while adult education associations are helping to extend the reach of the framework. 

Reflecting on the DARYA initiative and its alignment with Kyrgyzstan's vision, Eva Jansova noted, 'Kyrgyzstan's creative economy and commitment to lifelong learning exemplify the region's untapped potential. By strengthening DARYA's activities, particularly in areas such as the validation of non-formal learning, we can enable Kyrgyzstan to thrive in a globalised world. Creative industries, as championed by leaders like Daniar Amanaliev, will be crucial in shaping a resilient, dynamic future for the country,' she concluded.