DARYA – Dialogue and action for resourceful youth in Central Asia
Education and training in Central Asia: A new era?
DARYA is the European Union’s first regional project dedicated to supporting young people in Central Asia. Running from 2022 to 2027, and implemented by the European Training Foundation (ETF), the project fosters inclusion and strengthens labour market skills across the region.
What is the DARYA Project for?
The project addresses the post‑COVID recovery in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Its objectives are:
Strengthening systems: Improve the quality and inclusiveness of education, training, and employment systems.
Promoting dialogue: Support participatory and inclusive cooperation mechanisms at national and regional levels.
Key Actors Involved
DARYA brings together a wide range of stakeholders:
National authorities responsible for vocational education, skills development, and labour market policies
Agencies overseeing qualifications and quality assurance
Social partners and civil society organisations
Statistical bodies and expertise organisations
Experts from EU Member States and the wider development partner community
Three Thematic Modules
The project is structured around three interconnected modules:
Forward‑looking skills development – using evidence and analysis of education and training outcomes to anticipate skills needs.
Flexible qualifications systems – stakeholder‑driven approaches at national and regional levels to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Inclusive teaching and learning – outcome‑based approaches that are relevant to labour market demands.
