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The Kizirik Technicum of Agriculture and the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan hosted the inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated college as part of the project Skills Development for Employability in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan, which is funded by the European Union.

The event was attended by the First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Mr. Komiljon Karimov, EU Ambassador Ms. Charlotte Adriaen and UNESCO Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Sara Noshadi. Additionally, government officials, ambassadors from several EU Member States, college staff, students and community members were also present. The event showcased the collaborative efforts to modernize and improve the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across the country, particularly in sectors critical to the country`s economy, such as agriculture and irrigation.

Besides the renovation, Kizirik Technicum of Agriculture and other TVET colleges in Uzbekistan also benefit from modern curricula newly developed by the project, linking education with real labour market needs.

Established in 2008, the Kizirik Technicum of Agriculture has seen its student population reach nearly 300 in 2024, doubling in size from the previous year. The technicum offers a comprehensive curriculum with 17 specialized qualifications. With the EU funding,  91�鶹������Ʒ���� conducted renovations across 986.85 square meters of the college's premises, modernizing workshops, classrooms, and laboratories, now outfitted with new flooring, ceilings, and improved lighting to enhance the learning environment. This upgrade has equipped the institution with essential resources, such as agricultural tractors and aggregates, ICT equipment, and refrigerators, to support the hands-on aspects of its diverse qualifications. 

The ceremony featured a detailed tour of the college, highlighting the extensive renovations, equipment, and the impactful discussions with teachers and students who are directly benefiting from these enhancements.

Ms. Charlotte Adriaen, reflecting on the project's significance, remarked that:

"This pilot college embodies our shared dedication to boosting TVET as a vital pillar for developing human capital. She further commended UNESCO and the project team for their commitment to creating a resilient and adaptable TVET system, ready to empower generations with the skills needed for the future"

In her welcoming speech Ms. Sara Noshadi stated that this is not just a celebration of the college opening, but the fruition of our efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of our beneficiaries—the teachers and students in rural Uzbekistan. 

"This project is about enhancing employability and creating better opportunities for them. She further emphasized that this project is grounded in UNESCO’s broader mandate of providing system-level support by offering comprehensive policy frameworks and ensuring the quality assurance of TVET provision, which sets a foundation for sustainable impact. It's about building capacities, improving governance, and enhancing the relevance of TVET systems to the labor market needs, which are crucial for the long-term success of this college and the prosperity of its community. We`re therefore not just investing in immediate outcomes but ensuring that this college and Uzbekistan’s educational framework reap the benefits of these enhancements for years to come"

Since 2020, UNESCO, with the financial support of the EU, has been at the forefront of TVET strategy in Uzbekistan, focusing on governance and policy reform, modernizing qualifications, and increasing access to quality TVET to bolster the efforts of the Government of Uzbekistan in enhancing living standards in rural communities. The project, while focusing on improving employability for both men and women, especially the youth, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to meet the demands of a sustainable, diversified, and modernized agriculture and irrigation sector in Uzbekistan.