Five-Day Capacity Development and Education Transformation in Central Asia

From 10 to 14 November 2025, Central Asia hosted, for the first time, the “Reflection and Capacity Development for National Education Coalitions and Education Activists” regional learning event. AED had the honor of host organization, welcoming national coalitions from Moldova, Tajikistan, and Mongolia, as well as representatives of the OXFAM and ASPBAE secretariats.

The intensive five-day program brought together participants from across the region to exchange experience, analyze key educational challenges, and develop forward-looking strategies. The first day focused on introductions, discussions of current issues, and the formulation of shared learning objectives.

In the following days, the program centered on practical competencies. Participants explored methods for planning and implementing educational initiatives, analyzed the needs of target groups, developed project concepts, and assessed their effectiveness. Interactive sessions, group work, and field visits to educational institutions and grassroots initiatives played a central role, enabling participants to observe program implementation in practice, discuss challenges, and gain inspiration for their own work.

The final day was dedicated to reflection: participants consolidated newly acquired knowledge, outlined plans for integrating innovative approaches into their activities, and strengthened professional connections with colleagues from across the region.

The event demonstrated that collective action, knowledge exchange, field-based learning, and the systematic development of competencies among national coalitions and education activists create a strong foundation for advancing sustainable education in Central Asia.

For AED, hosting this event and sharing its experience constituted an important step in reinforcing regional cooperation and promoting innovative approaches in adult education.