The 30 Years, 30+ Stories campaign expands! Spotlight on the ETF's work in Central Asia
For almost three decades, the European Training Foundation (ETF) has been supporting the reform of education and labour market systems across Central Asia. Since 1995, the ETF has been working with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to improve vocational education and training (VET) and human capital development.
This ongoing partnership gained new momentum in 2022 with the launch of the regional programme DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia). Funded by the EU and implemented by the ETF, DARYA is the first EU regional initiative of its kind in Central Asia. With a budget of €10 million, the five-year project (2022-2027) aims to improve the inclusiveness, quality and responsiveness of education and employment systems to better meet the needs of young people and regional labour markets.
With a focus on sustainability and collaboration, DARYA engages key stakeholders in shaping skills development reforms. High-level events, such as the recent meeting with vice-ministers of Education and Labour of Central Asia countries in Tashkent on 4-5 December 2024, underscore the commitment of Central Asian countries to advance policy dialogue and foster regional cooperation.
This series of five articles explores the ETF's transformative work in each Central Asian country, highlighting milestones, challenges and the promise of DARYA to empower youth and drive economic prosperity in this strategically important region.
- Kazakhstan, an ambitious and growing cooperation through education
- Kyrgyzstan, a journey to foster creativity
- The EU and ETF support for youth in Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan, strengthening regional and international cooperation through DARYA
- Uzbekistan focuses on regional cooperation and hosts high-level meeting
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