The European Union (EU) recently approved a €27 million grant to Kyrgyzstan, aimed at enhancing the country’s education sector. Considering the unprecedented challenges faced by education systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, this grant holds the promise of improving educational quality and promoting higher standards.
Notably, the EU has been actively supporting education and youth development in Central Asia through various programs, such as Erasmus+ and the European Education Area. Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Almaty Management University and chairman of Kusto Group, highlights the crucial role of education in shaping the future of the region.
The Role of the EU in Transforming Education in Central Asia:
With the recent success of the second European Union Education Fair held in Uzbekistan, the EU strives to become an indispensable partner in advancing the region’s education systems. Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in education and the quality of teaching serves as an encouraging inspiration. International exchange programs, research collaborations, and mobility initiatives supported by the EU and the US have contributed to this transformation. However, Tatishev emphasizes that the private sector’s leadership is instrumental in preparing the next generation for the challenges that lie ahead.
The Importance of Private Sector Involvement:
Yerkin Tatishev, as the chairman and founder of Kusto Group, a diversified international holding, recognizes the responsibility to establish innovative education models in Kazakhstan. As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Almaty Management University, the country’s first business school, Tatishev aims to enhance academic programs, foster international collaborations, and promote entrepreneurship among students. Emphasizing the need for cooperation between the private sector and education, he believes that a cutting-edge educational experience can empower students to succeed in a globalized economy.
High Tech Academy: Pioneering Education Transformation:
Tatishev proudly discusses the High Tech Academy in Almaty, a school that he founded in 2017 to revolutionize learning experiences. This innovative Project Based Learning (PBL) school combines teaching methods from the US, Finland, and Kazakhstan, creating a global community that nurtures students for the interconnected world they will inherit. The academy adopts a project-based teaching methodology, allowing students to address real-life challenges while developing critical thinking and creativity. With a strong focus on technology and entrepreneurship, the High Tech Academy prepares students to make meaningful contributions to future society.
Recognition and the Call for Support:
In just a span of six years, the High Tech Academy has garnered global recognition from renowned figures in public policy and education, such as Ben Nelson, the visionary behind Minerva University. As countries worldwide adapt their education systems to meet future needs, the High Tech Academy’s model offers inspiration. Tatishev stresses the importance of further support from all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to expand and replicate this transformative approach across Central Asia.
Yerkin Tatishev’s vision of an education system in Central Asia that prepares students for a prosperous future resonates deeply. By driving innovation, nurturing entrepreneurship, and emphasizing project-based learning, schools like the High Tech Academy in Kazakhstan exemplify the positive influence of private sector involvement. As the EU invests in the education sector of Central Asia, Tatishev encourages all stakeholders to take ownership and contribute to these crucial efforts, ultimately paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all in the region.
Market Capital Research 