Bishkek, Feb. 5, 2025 /Kabar/. On February 5, 2025, the National Forum "Innovations in Education: Employers and Business Associations as Drivers of Development and Transformation of Non-Formal Education" takes place in Bishkek.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic jointly with the Swiss-funded project "CHeber: Skills Development in Kyrgyzstan," conducts the forum for dialogue, experience-sharing, and strategic planning in non-formal education.
Why Non-Formal Education Matters
The dynamic labor market in Kyrgyzstan requires new approaches to workforce development. Formal professional education remains essential but non-formal education offers faster adaptation to labor market demands; it also provides short-term targeted training for unemployed individuals or low-skilled workers. Innovative training methods, especially those initiated by employers, help making education more accessible, flexible, and market-relevant.
Forum Objectives
- Non-Formal Education: present its role in organizational and workforce development and how it aligns with the National Development Strategy of Kyrgyzstan for 2018-2040 and the National Development Program until 2026.
- Development Priorities: how employers can drive skill-building through non-formal learning.
- Exchange Best Practices: successful national and international (regional) examples of employer-led initiatives.
- Barriers and Solutions: challenges in implementing non-formal training programs.
- Effectiveness: impact of non-formal education on employee productivity and professional growth.
- Partnerships: collaboration amongst employers, training providers, and professional communities.
- Raise awareness: a recent study conducted by CHeber revealed that less than 40% of the economic actors are aware of how to access non-formal training opportunities.
The Forum will bring together representatives from ministries, business associations, formal and non-formal education providers, NGOs, international organizations, and the media.