Tajikistan

DVV International began working in Tajikistan in 2003 and since 2009, there has been a separate country office in Dushanbe. Although Tajikistan has made progress in poverty reduction in the last ten years, it remains a low-income country, especially in rural areas. There are a wide range of adult learning and education (ALE) institutions in Tajikistan, both governmental and non-governmental, most of which offer vocational training. However, they often lack the knowledge and skills to identify the educational needs of the local population and offer appropriate programmes.

Together with local partner organisations, DVV International implements measures to improve the quality of vocational education and training for disadvantaged population groups. DVV International supports the expansion and organisational development of the network of ALE organisations, and is working on a thematic expansion of the adult education offers. In addition, DVV International aims to improve the legal framework for ALE in Tajikistan.

Main focus of work

• Improvement of educational offers: Socially disadvantaged groups such as the unemployed, people with disabilities, prisoners, women and youth, are offered labour market-oriented training courses in cooperation with various ALE providers as well as training programmes on peaceful means to deal with conflict and guidance on the prevention of radicalisation.
• Strengthening the capacity of ALE providers and other civil society and governmental partners: DVV International strengthens the capacities of its partners through the professionalisation of educational and administrative personnel, the further development of (digital) curricula and materials as well as sustainable organisational development.
• Strengthening of the Tajik Adult Education Association: DVV International supports and advises the Tajik Adult Education Association and implements training measures for its personnel. In addition, DVV International promotes the cooperation of the association with other regional and international ALE networks.
• Promoting the national and international exchange of issues related to adult learning and education: Through consultation, the use of international experts, study visits and the organisation of roundtables and conferences in collaboration with national and international actors, DVV International contributes to the improvement of conditions in the education sector. To promote international exchange, DVV International supports the participation of Tajik adult educators and decision-makers in regional and international events. Together with the Tajik Adult Education Association, DVV International contributes to the UNESCO World Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA) as well as to the professionalisation of the national discussion and strategy building for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically the education goal.

Partners

Important governmental partners are the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment with the corresponding state ALE centres, the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Sports and Youth and the Sentencing Administration of the Justice Department. DVV International works with the Tajik Adult Education Association as a non-governmental strategic partner at all levels. DVV International supports the non-governmental organisations Jahon and Bureau of Human Rights in improving access to education for prisoners and those released from prison. Together with the two NGOs Tomiris and Saodat, community learning centres (CLCs) are being established at two locations.