KHOROG, July 18, 2009, Asia-Plus — The School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) of the University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Khorog non-governmental organization, Nour, have signed an agreement on establishment of a fund at the NGO Nour for training programs for people with limited opportunities.
Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, the head of SPCE’s branch in Khorog Dilovar Butabekov said that the funds was established in order top provide financial support to people with limited opportunities for obtaining knowledge and skills as well as to improve their employment opportunities.
According to him, under the agreement, signed on July 16, the fund will have a capital of 60,000 US dollars and the money will be used to provide grants to local people with limited opportunities for participating in the SPCE programs. “The grants will cover cost of training itself, travel and other expenses,” said Butabekov, “Besides, the funds may also be used for development and implementation of special training programs and courses for such category of students.”
Established in 2202, the NGO Nour is dedicated to provide assistance to local children with limited opportunities. “To this date, due to support from international charitable organizations and separate foreign citizens, Nour has implemented some US$1.3 million worth of projects, including construction of orphanage and installation of power lines in remote areas,” Butabekov said.
UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) is Central Asia’s first provider of formal, university-based, non-degree educational programs, offering vocational, professional development and personal improvement opportunities to youth and adults. Established in 2006, SPCE is UCA’s first operational academic program, and has the mission of fostering economic development. It does this by responding to trends and needs in the local economies of the communities in which it operates and offering courses that improve employment and income generating opportunities for youth and adults, and professional development opportunities for mid-career professionals. By building vocational skills and professional competencies, SPCE encourages entrepreneurship in the region and stimulate economic development.
