Kyrgyzstan advances education reforms by strengthening district-level support for schools and teachers

Bishkek, 25 June 2026 – Representatives of the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, district education authorities, schools and development partners gathered in Bishkek this week to validate the findings of the first national assessment of district-level capacity to support teachers and schools.

The workshop marks an important step in Kyrgyzstan's education reform under the Altyn Kazyk programme, moving from evidence to action by translating research findings into practical measures to strengthen district-level support for schools.

District education authorities play a critical role in connecting national education policies with classroom practice. As Kyrgyzstan advances major reforms—including the transition to a 12-year education system, curriculum modernization and the Administrative-Territorial Reform—strengthening district-level capacity is essential to ensure that reforms reach every school and every child.

With support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Capacity Grant, UNICEF, together with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) and Evidence Central Asia, conducted a national assessment of district education authorities. The study examined institutional capacity, human resources, professional support systems and coordination mechanisms needed to provide effective support to schools and teachers.

"Education reforms succeed only when they reach every classroom. Strengthening district education authorities means strengthening support for teachers, improving learning, and creating better opportunities for every child," said Leyla Hasanova, Chief of Education, UNICEF Kyrgyzstan.

During the three-day workshop, participants from the Ministry of Education , district education departments, schools and development partners reviewed the study's findings and identified priority actions to strengthen methodological support for teachers and improve learning outcomes.

The workshop discussed a high-level roadmap outlining priority reforms, institutional responsibilities and practical short- and medium-term actions aligned with the Altyn Kazyk reform programme. The findings will also help inform future investments in education supported by the Government and development partners.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in building an education system where every teacher receives the support they need and every child has the opportunity to learn, develop and reach their full potential.