NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EMPOWERING PATHWAYS

The competency-based education (CBE) reform is central to the National Strategy for Education Development 2030, with the vision that all children and adolescents benefit from quality and inclusive learning opportunities. The CBE aims to empower young people as advocates for inclusive, tolerant, and peaceful societies while acquiring essential skills for a meaningful and productive life.

The CBE programme (as part of global Adolescent Competency Framework) focuses on investing in adolescents’ learning, development, and employability, facilitating their participation in both school and community settings.

This is achieved in both formal (enhancing education systems, teacher training, and community involvement) and additional (expanding extracurricular opportunities that align with the CBE) settings, as well as through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems and youth participation platforms for capacitating adolescents and young people with skills and competencies, including skills for leadership, employability and job readiness.

Under European Union (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 CBE 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, teacher and management staff.

This conference provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the ongoing success of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) program, the digitalization of the education sector, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) achievements. It aims to articulate the significant impacts these initiatives have on shaping the future of adolescents and youth in Tajikistan. Discussions will focus on several key areas:

1.Best Practices for CBE Implementation

Participants will share effective strategies for implementing CBE programs, exploring future plans for scaling up the Competency-Based Learning Program to ensure a sustainable and meaningful impact on students' educational experiences.

2.Digitalization in Education and learning

The conference will shed light on the role of digitalization of the education sector across various contexts, highlighting its crucial role in developing open-source resources and programs. This digital transition is essential for the ongoing capacity building of teachers, enabling them to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.

3.The role of TVET in transition from Learning to Earning

The conference will examine how TVET can support youth and adolescents in their transition from learning to earning. The focus will be on best practices in vocational training and education that empower young people to enter the workforce successfully.

4.Fostering Public-Private Partnerships

The conference will enhance collaborations between public and private sectors. This partnership is vital for improving job readiness and employability among youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the labor market.