Education: The Key to the Future – Reflections on International Day of Education

Kyrgyzstan's education system stands at a critical juncture. According to the latest Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, 99 percent of children attend primary education in Kyrgyzstan. However, a third of schoolchildren under 14 lack foundational reading and numeracy skills.

The latest learning assessment by the Ministry of Education and Science also suggests that, although 87 per cent of teachers in Grades 5-11 are trained and qualified, many still face methodological and instructional challenges when teaching. To enhance student learning outcomes, the Government of Kyrgyz Republic embarked on its ambitious education transformation initiative known as ‘Altyn Kazyk (Polar Star)’. This critical and timely initiative entails five key reforms: i) transitioning to a 12-year education system, ii) modernizing textbooks, iii) expanding national preschool coverage, iv) optimizing the management of the Ministry of Education and Science and district education offices, and v) strengthening digital transformation. 

The success of these reforms lies in collective effort. Teachers are at the heart of these changes, but parents and caregivers also play a crucial role in their children’s learning journey. In early childhood education, for instance, parental engagement in play and reading activities bolsters socio-emotional development, school readiness, and a culture of lifelong learning.

One cornerstone of the reform is expanding early childhood education. Early learning is vital. The basics of a brain’s network and pathways are in place by the age of six. Economic analyses show that investments in early care and pre-primary learning, from zero to five years of age, have the highest return. This principle aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s planned transition to a 12-year schooling system, which lowers the admission age for Grade 1 from seven to six.

Learning empowers children to dream, grow, and build a better future. It opens doors to equality, helps overcome poverty, and gives every girl and boy a chance at a dignified life.  As the Kyrgyz proverb   wisely states: “Science is the wellspring of knowledge, and knowledge illuminates life (Ilim – okuu bulagy, bilim – ömür chygary).”  This saying highlights the essential role of education as both a source of foundational understanding and a guiding light for achieving a meaningful and successful life.

UNICEF remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Science to improve early learning and strengthen the education system. UNICEF has supported inclusive stakeholder consultations, and it is suggested that this approach should continue as reforms are implemented to ensure buy-in from adolescents, teachers and parents as well as civil society organizations, existing teacher associations and media. In addition to inclusive stakeholder consultations, UNICEF has supported the Ministry of Education to refine the state educational standards with a greater focus on gender equality, inclusiveness and climate resilience. These improvements emphasized competency-based education in the curriculum framework. UNICEF also aims to reinforce continuous teacher professional development and instructional leadership of principals, pedagogical supervisors and mentor teachers in 2025. 

Together with the government, schools, parents, and children and adolescents, we can turn challenges into opportunities, so that all children in Kyrgyzstan can learn, dream, and achieve their potential. Let quality learning be our shared priority for 2025 — the key to unlocking a future of equality, sustainability, and prosperity. Systemic transformation, coupled with curriculum reforms and competency-based education,
is needed to improve learning outcomes and anchored within the Kyrgyz Republic's development aspirations to be among the top 30 countries meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

#ForEveryChild, Quality Education!