In southern Kyrgyzstan, OshGU College is becoming a bright example of how to change the approach to education in conditions of high youth unemployment. Instead of traditional theory, the focus is on practical skills, allowing students not only to learn but also to earn.
With the help of a grant, the institution has implemented a model where students cover their educational expenses of 25,000 soms by earning through practice.
Journalist 24.kg found out how this unique model functions, which differs from conventional educational institutions where a diploma often does not guarantee employment.
A Center Where Theory Meets Practice
A key moment was the opening of the Center for Advanced Experience at the Industrial-Pedagogical College of OshGU in November 2022.
The initiative was implemented as part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) project “Skills for Inclusive Growth” with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The project aims to prepare qualified specialists who are in demand in the labor market and to create a link between theory and practice,” noted ADB representatives.
The college administration proudly states its unique role: “Our center is the only one in the southern region that trains students in seven key specialties.”
The training directions include:
teaching in primary classes;
- preschool education;
- software development for computing technology and automated systems;
- design and modeling of sewing products;
- design;
- physical culture;
- social work.
At the college, they pay attention to the fact that all classrooms and equipment are adapted for students with disabilities, making education accessible for all.
Education That Pays for Itself
One of the key achievements of the college is its financial model. In the sewing workshop, students actively work: after classes, they engage in producing goods for the university — from gowns to bed linen.
“The volume of contracts for sewing products exceeds 2 million soms,” noted the administration. “Students work on a piece-rate basis and earn up to 25,000 soms a month, which allows them to fully cover their educational expenses.”
This model is not only financially sustainable but also addresses two problems at once:
- reduces the financial burden on students;
- guarantees full practical employment in their specialty.
Student Sezim, studying in the specialty “Design and Modeling,” happily shares: “I study from 8:00 to 13:20, and then I go to the workshop. Here I can also do my homework. This year, the cost of education was 25,000 soms, and I pay for it myself.”
When asked about her salary, Sezim answers with a smile: “It’s enough to live on.”
How Much Does Progress Cost?
The Center for Advanced Experience at OshGU is part of a broad program “Skills for Inclusive Growth,” implemented by ADB in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
The total budget of the program exceeds $33.6 million:
- $30 million — ADB funds, of which $12 million is budget support and $18 million is for infrastructure projects;
- $3.6 million — contribution from the Kyrgyz Republic.
What the funds were spent on:
- modernization of buildings and equipment of classrooms;
- purchase of equipment — from sewing machines to computer labs;
- creation of an electronic library;
- support for reforms in technical and vocational education and development of entrepreneurial modules;
- cooperation with industry (contracts worth 2 million soms).
ADB exercises strict control over the use of funds. By financing specific projects, it requires the government to take necessary steps to reform the system. This pressure is aimed at linking education with current regional needs rather than outdated curricula.
Why Was This Project Necessary?
The need to create the Center for Advanced Experience is dictated by alarming statistics.
“The main goal of the program is to connect education and the economy, making colleges platforms where youth learn to earn rather than wait for jobs,” states the ADB report.
OshGU College has become a model demonstrating that the problem lies not with the people but with the system that needs to be changed and adapted to business.
From Osh to France: The Success of Graduate Nargiza
The effective model and modernization of infrastructure have yielded positive results, changing the perception of vocational education in the country as “second-rate.”
In September 2024, Nargiza, a graduate of the Industrial-Pedagogical College of OshGU, became the first representative of Kyrgyzstan at the international sewing championship in Lyon (France).
Among participants from 70 countries, she took 20th place and was awarded a medal.
This victory for the college is not only an achievement but also a confirmation of the effectiveness of their educational model. “This is the result of systematic training, practice, and real orders. We do not just teach — we prepare for the labor market,” emphasize the college.
Nargiza's story demonstrates that vocational and technical education in Kyrgyzstan can be competitive both domestically and internationally.
If this has already become a reality in Osh, why not spread this experience to other regions?
Reference 24.kg
OshGU has its history, starting from 1939 when a teacher training institute was founded, which was transformed into a pedagogical institute in 1951. Since 1992, it has been a university.
According to the presidential decree of July 18, 2022, OshGU received special status. In the national ranking, the university ranked fourth.
According to the Center for Educational Assessment and Methods (CEAM), in 2023, OshGU was among the top 10 universities chosen by applicants with high scores on the ORT. The average score of those admitted on a budget was 160.4, and on a contract basis — 134.6.
Despite the competition, the university maintains its positions: in 2020 it ranked seventh, and in 2021 it ranked ninth.
