DUSHANBE, June 19, 2015, Asia-Plus — The inaugural University of Central Asia (UCA) Summer Camp opened on 18 June on the shores of beautiful Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan.
According to press release issue by UCA, the Camp has brought together 76 exceptional Grade 10 students from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for a unique academic enrichment experience, where they will improve their English and math skills and receive critical support to enter local or international universities. Camp participants represent a gifted cohort of Central Asian students, selected through a competitive regional admissions process that had as many as 850 applicants.
The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Adilet Bekboev, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Executive Chairman of UCA’s Board Executive Committee, , and Olim Rahimov, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan.
The Summer Camp team is led by Mr. Myrza Karimov of Kyrgyzstan, who has over 15 years of experience in the education sector in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Assistant Camp Director Farrah Kamani of Canada brings considerable experience working in youth camps. They lead a team of twenty administrators, teachers and camp counselors bringing a wealth of experience and talent from seven countries. The staff-student ratio will be one is to four.
“This is UCA’s first effort as a regional university to bring together talented students from each of our three host countries for a residential program. The youth attending this camp represent those chosen on merit from amongst the most talented. With our first campus scheduled to open in Naryn in September next year, these students will get a taste of what it could be like to attend UCA. UCA will also benefit largely from this experience,” said Mr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha.
Welcoming remarks were followed by a cultural performance highlighting the diverse cultures of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan by the Assembly of Peoples of Kyrgyzstan. Dignitaries then had the opportunity to meet with camp staff and participants.
“My main aim right now is to improve my English. I am really glad to be at the UCA Summer Camp to have a chance to do this.” said camp participant Sakina Mahmoudova of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. “In the future I want to study abroad, my ambition is to go to America and study medicine.”
The UCA Summer Camp will run until 7 July 2015. Camp sessions will follow a rigorous schedule combining academics with other learning opportunities. Participants will spend three hours daily studying English and one hour studying math. They will also attend workshops and receive resources to enhance their success with university applications, including sessions on how to apply to university; choose a program of study based on career interests; and prepare for university entrance requirements. Other activities including sports, drama, debating and field trips, will provide additional opportunities for participants to practice English-language skills and share experiences with fellow campers.
“UCA is a Central Asian university aspiring towards international standards. The Summer Camp follows that principle. The program design takes into account both international best practice and Central Asian curricula and needs, and participants will be taught by an experienced team of Central Asian and international staff,” said Dr Ariff Kachra, UCA Dean of Academic Affairs.
