National Conference on Empowering Tajik Adolescent Girls and Boys with Skills for Work and Life

The competency-based education (CBE) reform is a foundation of the National Strategy for Education Development 2030, which envisions that all children and adolescents-girls and boys, particularly those in need-benefit from quality, inclusive learning opportunities. To support this transformative reform, UNICEF Tajikistan’s Country Programme is dedicated to empowering adolescent girls and boys, unlocking their potential as agents of development and advocates for inclusive, tolerant, and peaceful societies.

To achieve this vision, UNICEF focuses on enhancing adolescents' learning, development, and participation in both formal and non-formal education settings. At the same time, it works to strengthen Tajikistan’s education system by building the capacity of teachers, engaging key stakeholders, and improving school environments to ensure quality and inclusivity.

To this aim, UNICEF developed the Adolescent Competency Framework (ACF), which identifies 10 core competencies essential for all adolescents-especially girls-to successfully transition to adulthood, life, and work. The ACF supports both formal and non-formal education systems, with the Learning Section focusing on schools and the Adolescent Development and Participation Section addressing additional education opportunities. These include initiatives such as outdoor education sites, and Innovation Labs at Centers for Additional Education and universities, as well as through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

Delivered in partnership with the Government of Tajikistan, including the Ministry of Education and Science and other key ministries and stakeholders, the ACF Competency-Based Learning Programme is being scaled up nationwide. This expansion aims to equip more girls and boys with the critical skills they need to succeed in their future jobs, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society. The ACF is in line with the European Union (EU) support to the education sector and the achievement of the main goals of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2022-2030, towards ensuring transformational sustainable growth with greater diversification of the economy through competency-based quality education at all levels. Therefore, under the EU “Improving skills and competencies of adolescent girls and boys for school to work transition in Tajikistan and national support to continuity of learning within the framework of the National Education Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19". The ACF Programme reached 43,000 adolescents and young people (49 per cent girls), including refugees and adolescents in remote rural areas in 47 districts, more than 300 teachers and mentors, including master trainers, teachers and management staff.