New partnership aims to strengthen access to high quality and inclusive education for all children in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – On December 15, 2025, the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic signed an agreement with UNICEF for a partnership under the SmartEd Project (2025–2029) funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) aimed at improving access to and quality of education across the country. This initiative is in line with the nation's ambitious education reform agenda, the Altyn Kazyk Programme.

The partners will work jointly to modernize curricula, strengthen teacher training, and expand inclusive education opportunities for children with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

"This partnership marks a historic step toward realizing our vision of a modern and inclusive education system under the Altyn-Kazyk program. The project is aligned with Kyrgyzstan's long-term reform program, including the transition to 12-year school education, the modernization of educational materials, and the digitalization of teaching methods," said D. Kendirbaeva.

The Minister noted that by 2029, the partnership with UNICEF will help strengthen learning outcomes at all levels of general education, benefiting thousands of children across the country.

Under this partnership, UNICEF will support the national partners on improving the quality of teaching and learning as well as promoting inclusive education. With UNICEF’s technical support, new competency-based learning resources for teachers will be developed, and the professional development of teachers further strengthened.

UNICEF will also support development of ten inclusive model schools and a National Roadmap for Inclusive Education.

"We commend the Government’s major steps toward strengthening quality education and ensuring that all children— including those with disabilities and diverse learning needs—can learn to the best of their abilities. Every child, especially the most marginalized, must benefit from equitable, high-quality learning. This project is designed to make that a reality" noted Samman Jung Thapa, Representative of UNICEF to the Kyrgyz Republic.