On June 22 and 29, the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) celebrated the graduation of 520 learners, including 152 Afghan refugees, at elegant ceremonies held in Dushanbe and Khorog, says press released by UCA. These events showcased UCA's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the country and beyond, honoring the achievements of hundreds of graduates who have successfully completed various programs.
Since its inception in 2006, UCA’s SPCE has offered over 700 short-cycle courses across 60 programs in 10 areas of study, solidifying its role as a leading provider of continuing education in Tajikistan and in the region. Through its courses, SPCE has promoted local entrepreneurship and job creation, and improve employment as well as income-generating opportunities.
The graduation ceremony in Dushanbe honored over 270 graduates. Of them, 81 graduates received certificates in language courses (conversational English, English for Academic Purposes, and Russian language). Another 39 graduates received certificates upon completing the Academic Achievement Program which prepares students to gain admission to the most reputed universities in the country and abroad. Notably, among the graduates were 152 Afghan refugees who successfully completed English language and digital skills courses, as well as vocational trainings supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Aga Khan Foundation under the Local Impact project. These courses included Preparation for IELTS, Upper Intermediate and Intermediate English, Electrician and Plumbing, Tiling, Mobile Phone Repairs, and Cookery and Confectionery.
Congratulating the graduates on their achievement, Qozidavlat Qoimdodov, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan stated: “Global experience has shown that human capital, encompassing knowledge, skills, and health, is a primary asset that enables individuals to realize their potential as active members of society. Investing in the human capital is key to overcoming poverty and achieving shared prosperity. This important issue compels us, as development partners, to strengthen our cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan.”
Meanwhile, in Khorog, the graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of over 250 graduates. This year, 52 students completed TVET programs including Construction, Masonry, Plumbing & Metalworking, Electrical Installation, and Repair of Home Appliances; 78 students completed the Academic Achievement Program (AAP), which prepares learners for admissions to international universities of repute. Additionally, 50 students received the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), which increased their level of digital skills, and 82 graduates completed entrepreneurship courses within the framework of the "Business Planning and Employment Skills" (YES) project, implemented in partnership with MSDSP, and "GBAO Youth Entrepreneurship Club" (NEET), funded by USAID and implemented in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).
The Khorog ceremony also highlighted the SPCE Khorog Center for Entrepreneurship's achievements. Inaugurated just four years ago, the Centre has become instrumental in business training to skill entrepreneurs particularly in the mountainous regions. The event celebrated remarkable achievements of the Center, exemplified by members from 33 households, influenced by the Sebzor Hydropower Plant construction in the Roshtqala district, and trained under the “Livelihood Restoration Program”, implemented in partnership with the German Development Bank (KfW). These families underwent two years of intensive training, successfully launched businesses and created over 40 jobs in production and services.
Addressing the audience (virtually), Professor Christopher Gerry, Acting Rector of UCA congratulated SPCE and the graduates and mentioned – “At the heart of our mission is the simple objective of bringing education, learning, and development opportunities to the mountainous, remote, and disadvantaged areas of Tajikistan and Central Asia. We do this to support the government of Tajikistan in its commitment to advancing the country’s social and economic development and improving the quality of life for the population.”
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education is the leading provider of short cycle professional education courses designed to improve employment and income-generating opportunities.
