Tajikistan, 26 June 2009 - In June, students at the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE), Central Asia’s first provider of formal, university-based, non-degree educational programmes, received certificates and awards for a number of disciplines, including accounting, mountain guiding and the teaching of English.  The ceremonies in Dushanbe and Khorog also marked several milestones.  SPCE’s first graduation in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, was held.  The third graduation ceremony at the Khorog campus was also held, with 138 learners receiving awards and certificates – 27 of them from Afghanistan.

Established in 2006, SPCE is UCA’s first operational academic programme. Its mission is to foster economic development in mountainous regions of Central Asia. It offers courses that improve employment and income generating opportunities for youth and adults and professional development opportunities for mid-career professionals

Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Minister Mr. Subkhon Ashurov stated: “Although SPCE has existed for only a short period of time, it is considered as one of the best training centres in the country. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection established National Centres of Adult Education (NCAE) in the regions, and goes step-in-step with UCA’s SPCE, and sees SPCE as a centre for preparing qualified trainers for its NCAEs for the entire country”.

On 8 June, at a ceremony in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, 64 learners received certificates or awards in accounting, Business English, Professional Development and Training of Trainers in Accounting Software.  As of June 2009, the Dushanbe Centre had provided training for 650 learners.

Earlier, on 6 June 2009, UCA’s SPCE campus in Khorog, Tajikistan, awarded 138 awards and certificates during its third graduation ceremony in accounting, Business English, English instruction for secondary school teachers, administration of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and general IT skills, as well as certificates for mountain guides and related trekking and tourism certificates.   

Since 2006, SPCE Khorog has enrolled over 4,500 learners in over 50 different training courses, including vocational education and training.

The participation of 27 learners from Afghanistan was a highlight of the event: 12 learners received awards for IT courses, one graduated from the English for Business programme, and 14 who participated in SPCE’s new programme “Training of Mountain Guides” were certified as mountain porters. One received the qualification of Alpine Guide 3rd category. Those who received the “Alpine Guide 3rd category certification” are certified to lead climbers in the 5th category of rock climbing difficulty and are trained in safety provisions for crossing rivers and climbs to an altitude of 6,000 meters.

Among the 250 guests participating in the ceremony, held at Dushanbe's “Capital Business Centre”, were the Ambassador of India, Amar Sinha, the OSCE Ambassador, Vladimir Priakhin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kim Heung-soo, Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative Mr. Munir Merali, representatives of the Embassies of the USA and Turkey, members of the Tajik Parliament “Majlisi Namoyandagon”, representatives of the President’s Administration, the Government of Tajikistan, heads of AKDN Agencies, representatives of international organisations, the private sector, civil society organizations and journalists.

The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan. The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations.