DUSHANBE, October 19, 2011, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan has launched a Grant Project under the Russia Education Aid for Development (READ) Program.
The project that was launched yesterday is aimed at supporting the National Testing Center Dushanbe.
According to a press release issued by the NTC, the main goal of this project, developed on the basis of proposals of the Ministry of Education and approval of the Government of Tajikistan, is to strengthen the capacity of the National Testing Centre for the sustainable implementation of: (i) a system of unified University entrance examinations based on the principles of equal access, transparency and objectivity; and (ii) a national student assessment system.
In recent years, upon the initiative of President Emomali Rahmon and as a result of fruitful work of the Government and the Ministry of Education, investments have been attracted for the development of education sector, leading to improved quality of teaching at schools, publication of textbooks, renovation and new construction of school buildings, and provision of schools with necessary equipment. This project will primarily improve access to higher education by ensuring transparency and objectivity of admission to higher education institutions based on Unified Entrance Examinations conducted by the National Testing Center. In addition, implementation of READ project and support to the National Testing Center in Tajikistan will create a foundation for a national student assessment system, which will have an effect on the process of modernization of curriculum, publication of textbooks and teacher training. In the future, Tajikistan is expected to participate in international student assessment programs.
A total cost of the project designed for three years and financed by the Government of the Russian Federation is US$3.4 million The contribution of Tajikistan is US$400,000.
The project will be implemented by the National Testing Center under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. The project will be administered by the World Bank. The Project Legal Agreement was signed on July 28, 2011 between Tajikistan and the World Bank. Earlier in 2010, the World Bank allocated US$2 million for the construction of building of the National Testing Center. The project is a part of the global Russia Education Aid for Development (READ) Program. Founded in 2008, READ is a program of cooperation between the Government of the Russian Federation and the World Bank and it is aimed at improving the quality of education and eliminating gaps in the system of learning outcomes assessment in eight countries of the world, including the Republic of Tajikistan.
