AKDN - Kyrgyztan - Institutional Activities

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kmaherali
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01/12/2011 - His Highness the Aga Khan will meet with President of Kyrgyzstan
Parent Category: News Category: Politics, Analyses & Opinions
Published on Thursday, 01 December 2011 Written by Dinara

BISHKEK, December 1 (Kabar). His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has arrived inKyrgyzstan to attend the inauguration of the President-elect of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambaev scheduled for 1 December 2011 at the official invitation of President Roza Otunbaeva.



During the visit the Aga Khan will meet President Atambaev, former President Otunbaeva, and Speaker Keldibekov to discuss AKDN’s current and future partnerships with the Kyrgyz Republic supporting institution building, creating economic opportunities and enhancing regional stability. The meetings will also focus on AKDN’s expanding presence in Kyrgyzstan including in the areas of high-quality education and critical infrastructure development.

The visit of the Aga Khan reinforces AKDN’s commitment to helping Kyrgyzstan’s mountain communities overcome challenges of poverty, isolation and vulnerability. The Network’s decade-long engagement has ranged from early childhood development to university and adult education, from micro-credit to banking and financial services, from supporting tradition-bearers in music and oral recitation to building capacity of civil society institutions, from tourism to infrastructure development. Anna Vorobeva, Communications Officer of the Aga Khan Development Network Representation in Bishkek reports.

http://www.timesca.net/index.php/m-news ... stan?flv=1

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http://en.trend.az/regions/casia/kyrgyz ... 64399.html

Excerpt:

"Atambayev also met with Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. During the meeting Atambayev thanked the guest for attending the inauguration ceremony.

The head of state stressed that the Aga Khan Fund implements many important and useful programs in Kyrgyzstan - especially in mountainous regions, and expressed the hope that this work will continue.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV congratulated Atambayev on election as the Kyrgyz president and wished him success in his responsible position."
Last edited by kmaherali on Sat Dec 03, 2011 12:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
kmaherali
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Mawlana Hazar Imam attends presidential inauguration in Kyrgyzstan

Mawlana Hazar Imam congratulates President Almazbek Atambaev on his official inauguration as President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Photo: Artur Boldjrov


Bishkek, 1 December 2011 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Bishkek today for the inauguration of the new President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambaev.

During the visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with President Atambaev, as well as former President Roza Otunbaeva, to discuss the Aga Khan Development Network’s partnership with the country. Current AKDN initiatives in Kyrgyzstan support the development of human resources, creating economic opportunities and enhancing regional stability. The meetings also focused on the Network’s growing presence in Kyrgyzstan’s high-quality education sector and the development of critical infrastructure. Hazar Imam also met with Speaker Ahmatbek Keldibekov.
Upon his arrival in Bishkek to attend the inauguration of President Almazbek Atambaev, Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed with a traditional bread ceremony. The Kyrgyz Minister of Education and Science, Kanat Sadykov, received Hazar Imam at the airport. Photo: Artur Boldjrov
Upon his arrival in Bishkek to attend the inauguration of President Almazbek Atambaev, Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed with a traditional bread ceremony. The Kyrgyz Minister of Education and Science, Kanat Sadykov, received Hazar Imam at the airport. Photo: Artur Boldjrov

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit reinforces AKDN’s commitment to helping Kyrgyzstan’s mountain communities overcome challenges of poverty, isolation and vulnerability. The Network’s decade-long involvement in the country has seen it engage in issues ranging from early childhood development to university and adult education, and from micro-credit to banking and financial services. AKDN also supports tradition-bearers in music and oral recitation, builds capacity among civil society institutions, and contributes to tourism to infrastructure development in the country.

Also see:
» Related photo gallery
» AKDN press release and photos

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1301/Mawl ... Kyrgyzstan

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Aga Khan Attends Inauguration of Kyrgyz President, Discusses Development Activities

His Highness the Aga Khan congratulates President Almazbek Atambaev on his official inauguration as President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Photo: AKDN / Artur BoldjurovHis Highness the Aga Khan congratulates President Almazbek Atambaev on his official inauguration as President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Photo: AKDN / Artur Boldjurov

Please also see related photos.

Bishkek, 2 December 2011 -- His Highness the Aga Khan, Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, arrived in Bishkek yesterday to attend the inauguration of the President-elect of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambaev.

During the visit the Aga Khan met President Almazbek Atambaev as well as former President Roza Otunbaeva to discuss AKDN’s current and future partnerships with the Kyrgyz Republic. The meetings also focussed on AKDN’s expanding presence in the Kyrgyz Republic, including education and critical infrastructure development. The Aga Khan also met with Speaker Ahmatbek Keldibekov.

Since 2000, AKDN has supported social, economic and cultural programmes in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Network’s social activities range from early childhood development to university and adult education, support for the creation of civil society institutions and rural development and health projects in Alai and Chon Alai districts of the Osh Oblast, which are implemented through the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP).

Its economic development initiatives range from microfinance to corporate finance. Microfinance activities are largely focused on rural loans for agriculture and animal husbandry. The Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) was set up to provide a wide range of products and services that had not existed in the planned economy of the Soviet era. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is the principal shareholder.

The Aga Khan Music Initiative (AKMI) was created by the Aga Khan in 2000 to support the efforts of Central Asian musicians and communities to sustain, further develop and transmit these important musical traditions, many of which had faced decline. AKDN’s activities include support to music schools, instrument makers and for touring programmes within the region and abroad.

One of AKDN’s largest projects is the University of Central Asia (UCA) campus in Naryn. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies. UCA consists of the School of Professional and Continuing Education (the first operational division of the University); the School of Arts and Sciences (undergraduate) and the Graduate School of Development, both of which will be launched when the three campuses are built in Khorog, Tajikistan, Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic and Tekeli, Kazakhstan. Three other programmes build teaching and scholarship in the region: the Central Asian Faculty Development Programme, the Aga Khan Humanities Project, and Research Programme.

http://www.akdn.org/Content/1101
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Postcard from Bishkek
Observations from an expat
His Highess Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV


http://ianbek.kg/?p=6587

One of the dignitaries attending the inauguration of President Almazbek Atanbaev was His Highess Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV. He’s actually quite an important person here in Kyrgyzstan, but my guess is that if you asked the average man in the street, most of them would have little idea of who he is.

He is often known simply as the Aga Khan, which is an hereditary title, and he’s the fourth person to hold it. More importantly, he is the the 49th, and the current, Imam of the Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili Muslims, having succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, in 1957 at the age of 20. Upon taking the position of Imam, the Aga Khan stated that he intended to continue the work his grandfather had pursued in building modern institutions to improve the quality of life of the Ismaili community. Ever since his own inauguration, he has emphasized to his followers the importance of fostering positive relations among different ethnicities – something quite appropriate in contemporary Kyrgyzstan.

He has a distinctly international background. His Grandfather served at one time as the President of the League of Nations, and his father as Pakistani Ambassador to the United Nations. He himself was born in Geneva, but he spent most of his childhood in Nairobi, where he received a private education from private tutors, but later attending the Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland for nine years, and graduating from Harvard University with a BA honors degree in Islamic history. Interestingly, he skied for Turkey and Iran respectively at the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games.

As part of his interest in international development he has established the Aga Khan Development Network, (AKDN), one of the largest such networks in the world, which coordinates the activities of over 200 agencies and institutions, operating in the fields of health, education, culture, rural development, institution-building and the promotion of economic development. It is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. Half a billion dollars are given out in charity and development every year through this huge network.

Here in Kyrgyzstan the AKDN has a large number of projects, ranging from supporting Community Health schemes, Disaster Risk Reduction, Early Years education, Management of Natural Resources.

Much of their work is done through the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme which was established in 2003.

One of their major projects over the years has been the Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia which has been active in trying to preserve and promote traditional music.

Perhaps the major flagship of the AKDN’s work in Kyrgyzstan is the University of Central Asia.

There are two Universities of Central Asia in Bishkek, which can sometimes be a bit confusing. One is the American University of Central Asia, (AUCA), and the other is known simply as the University of Central Asia, (UCA).

AUCA was founded in 1993 as the Kyrgyz American School, (KAS), in the Kyrgyz State National University, (KSNU). The school proved to be very popular and in 1997 a decree of the President transformed it into the American University in Kyrgyzstan, (AUK). Then, in 2002 the trustees changed the name once more, this time to reflect the fact that the institution was developing into a regional institution with students from over thirty different countries. The university entered into a partnership with Bard College in 2008 which means that AUCA graduates can also receive liberal arts degrees accredited in the States as well as a Kyrgyz diploma. (Bard College is a Liberal Arts college, founded in 1860, in New York.) As well as this formal partnership, the institution also maintains links with a number of other universities and organizations worldwide. About 1800 students have graduated from the university so far and currently there are almost 1200 students following courses taught by 124 teaching staff. The university is currently housed in a building in central Bishkek, but a site in the suburbs has been allocated for a purpose built campus and construction has already commenced.

UCA, on the other hand, was established in 2000, by an agreement between the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan with His Highness the Aga Khan, representing the Aga Khan Development Network. It’s an unusual arrangement in that the University has three campuses, one in Naryn, (Kyrgyzstan), another in Khorog, (Tajikistan) and the last in Tekeli, (Kazakhstan). The administrative headquarters is located in Bishkek. (At the moment, however, the campuses are still on the largely on the drawing broad.) Even though the campus facilities don’t yet exist the UCA has started work. The first operational unit, for example, is the School of Professional and Continuing Education which has delivered some courses in the Naryn region, and some research papers have already been published. It is sometimes referred to as the Mountain University, because the stated mission of UCA is: “to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while at the same time helping the different peoples of the region to preserve and draw upon their rich cultural traditions and heritages as assets for the future“.

(For more information about the work of AKDN in Kyrgyzstan and the projects that they undertake in Social, Cultural, Economic and Rural development, see their website).

The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, (AKFED), is a “for-profit” agency of AKDN which works in partnership with international organizations and governments to stimulate the private sectors of developing economies, with the aim of generating capital for investment into long-lasting and sustainable development initiatives. As well as working in the Financial Services sector, around the world it also has projects in Aviation, Food and Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure, Media Service and Tourism Development.

In Kyrgyzstan it is one of the founders of one of the country’s strongest banks: the Kyrgyz Investment Credit Bank, (KICB). As well as supporting KICB, AKFED also supports several Microfinance projects – which is something I happen to strongly support.

Amongst his other interests, the Aga Khan includes Architecture, (in particular promoting Islamic Architecture), and Thoroughbred Horse Racing, (owning, for example, the largest horse racing and breeding operation in France).

He has received a large number of honours and awards for his work over the years, including an Honorary Professorship at the University of Osh, and being named “Personality of the Year” by the International Association for Spiritual Renewal, (“Ruhaniat“), in 2009.

Today happens to be his birthday – so, Happy Birthday your Highness!
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Schools of Kyrgyzstan to get books promoting tolerance
18/01-2012 15:20, Bishkek – 24.kg news agency , by Anastasia BENGARD
Schools of Kyrgyzstan will get books promoting tolerance and pluralism. Education and Science Ministry press service reports.

According the press service USA will republish 90.5K bilingual and multilingual books: “Mother Goose song of friendship” and “The three sad magicians”. They will be distributed among 2.191K schools of the republic with Kyrgyz, Russian, Uzbek and Tajik learning language. Also they will be distributed in 507 boarding schools and other training establishments.

As Aga Khan Fund notes together with Kyrgyz Education Academy the Fund will develop and spread 4.382K items of methodic books for teachers which include problems of ethnic policy and harmony in society.

URL: http://eng.24.kg/community/2012/01/18/22494.html
http://eng.24.kg/community/2012/01/18/22494.html
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Aga Khan Foundation is ready to begin reconstruction of airport in Naryn in April 2012

Bishkek, January 17 / Kabar /. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Omurbek Babanov met today with Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani, the Aga Khan Development Network Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. The information policy department of the Kyrgyz Government’s office reports.
N. Mawani congratulated O. Babanov on assuming the office of Prime Minister and wished him success in his work. The AKDN Representative also said the Aga Khan Foundation is interested in further cooperation with the Government of Kyrgyzstan. She also gave the Prime Minister congratulation of the Prince Aga Khan on his election as Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The AKDN Representative told that the Aga Khan Foundation will continue its previously launched projects in Kyrgyzstan, in 2012 the Foundation plans to launch a number of investment projects. In particular, reconstruction of the airport in Naryn, investing in telecommunications sector in the republic, completion of the University of Central Asia in Naryn oblast, as well as construction of the Aga Khan Academy in Bishkek.
The representatives of the Aga Khan Foundation presented the Prime Minister the Naryn airport reconstruction project and architectural plan of the University of Central Asia in Naryn oblast.
According to N. Mawani, Aga Khan Foundation has been successfully working in telecommunications sector in the markets of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The Foundation can also do the same job in Kyrgyzstan. Speaking of the Aga Khan Academy, she noted that the new school will be a boarding school. Children of preschool and school age will study there. Children can get education according to international standards due to the curriculum of international baccalaureate program.
Expressing gratitude to the Aga Khan Foundation for their active cooperation, O. Babanov asked to consider the possibility of giving preferential micro-credits to Kyrgyz farmers. O. Babanov also said that tribal and seed farms are planned to be built in all regions of the country with the support of USAID and Aga Khan Foundation also can take part in implementation of these projects.
"For its part, the Government is ready to fully support the above-mentioned initiatives and projects aimed at improving infrastructure in regions of Kyrgyzstan, increasing potential of local communities and improve well-being of the population", said the Prime Minister.

http://kabar.kg/eng/politics/full/3167
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Kyrgyzstan seeks AKDN’s support for helping ethnic Kyrgyz living in the Afghan Pamir

DUSHANBE, February 2, 2012, Asia-Plus -- Kyrgyzstan is seeking support from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for working out joint recommendations and appropriate projects to provide assistance to ethnic Kyrgyz living in the Afghan Pamirs, the Kyrgyz MFA official website reports.

This issue was reportedly discussed at a meeting of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayev with Ms. Nurjehan Mavani, Head of Aga Khan Development Network Representation for Kyrgyz Republic.
Kyrgyz minister, in particular, noted that 2,016 ethnic Kyrgyz now live in the Afghan Little Pamir and 1,100 ethnic Kyrgyz now live in the Afghan Big Pamir. “According to evaluated data, the Kyrgyz community in Afghanistan decreases by 6-7 percent annually,” said Kazakbayev, “If this downward trend remains intact within the next 10-15 years, this original Kyrgyz community may disappear.”

According to him, the serious problem facing ethnic Kyrgyz living in Afghanistan is “lack of any official belonging of them to Afghan citizenship.” In this context, Kazakbayev asked AKDN to provide assistance with working out joint recommendations and appropriate projects to provide assistance to ethnic Kyrgyz living in the Afghan Pamirs.
AKDN has been supporting the establishment of institutions and programs that help develop an economically dynamic, politically stable and intellectually and culturally vibrant Kyrgyz Republic since 2002. Its programs range from financial institutions that are helping build the nation’s economic infrastructure to support in several districts for the “tradition-bearers” of Kyrgyz music and oral recitation. Its rural development, health and education projects in Alai and Chon Alai districts of the Osh region are implemented through the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP).

http://news.tj/en/news/kyrgyzstan-seeks ... ghan-pamir
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02/02/2012 - Aga Khan Academy to be opened in Kyrgyzstan
Parent Category: News Category: Other Central Asian News
Published on Thursday, 02 February 2012

Written by Kabar BISHKEK, February 2 (Kabar). An agreement will be signed between the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan Development Network on establishment of the Aga Khan Academy in Bishkek. The Aga Khan Development Network Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Nurjehan Mawani said during a meeting with Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev.

According to the information of the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss ongoing and planned projects implementing by the Aga Khan Development Network in the Kyrgyz Republic. In particular, the sides discussed the projects on reconstruction of the airport in Naryn, construction of the Aga Khan Academy in Bishkek, further implementation of the Mountain Development Support Program and prospects for further cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and Aga Khan Development Network.
The sides also discussed the problems of Kyrgyz people living in Pamir of Afghanistan.
R. Kazakbaev expressed request to assist the Kyrgyz Republic in development of joint recommendations and the relevant draft decision on assistance to ethnic Kyrgyz, who live in Pamir.

http://www.timesca.net/index.php/m-news ... kyrgyzstan
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The director of MSDSP part of AKDN speaks about issues facing farmers in Kyrgystan.

Excerpt:

A major factor pushing farmers to quit their fields is volatility in agricultural production costs, especially gasoline, says Talant Aldashev, director of the Mountain Societies Development Support Program, part of the Agha Khan Development Network. The network specializes in development projects in rural, mountainous regions.

http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65314
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EU and AKDN visit Naryn to review joint projects and strengthen collaboration

Bishkek, June 12 / Kabar /.

The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Kyrgyz Republic Chantal Hebberecht and the Head of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for the Kyrgyz Republic Nurjehan Mawani are on a two-day working visit to Naryn Oblast from June 12-13, 2012. The delegation will meet with residents of the mountainous region and review the progress of Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and EU joint programmes supporting the efforts of Government in improving living conditions of the rural populations in the Kyrgyz Republic. Anna Vorobeva, Communications Officer of the Aga Khan Development Network Representation reports.

Cooperation between the EU and AKDN in Kyrgyzstan builds upon a two-decade long partnership and was reaffirmed by a Joint Declaration signed in 2007 by His Highness the Aga Khan and President José Manuel Barroso of the European Commission. The Declaration aims to broaden collaboration in development endeavours, strengthening civil society institutions, promoting governance and social inclusion in a number of countries including Central Asia.

In Naryn district, the delegation will review local economic initiatives which have been launched jointly by EU and AKF to contribute to enterprise development and to strengthening the local market. Currently, AKF is working with 350 smallholder farmers to help increase productivity and diversity in local agriculture. The delegation will meet with farmers and a woman entrepreneur selected to establish a vegetable processing unit under the Vegetable Value Chain project. The project, funded by EU, will also introduce 10 Chinese-style greenhouses in rural Naryn to extend the vegetable harvesting season, assist farmers in marketing and processing their harvests.

The delegation will also meet students and teachers of Oi-Tersken School, in At-Bashy district, who are members of a School Parliament supporting civic education in the country. This joint initiative of EU and AKF creates opportunities for youth in 177 schools in Naryn and Osh Oblasts to actively participate in the development of their communities and resolve problems related to their well-being.

Both projects are being implemented by the Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme, a locally registered public foundation, initiated by AKF.
On the second day, the delegation will also visit the University of Central Asia’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) in Naryn Town, which is Central Asia’s first provider of post-secondary professional and vocational education, and meet with students and teachers. For the past six years, SPCE has graduated over 11,000 students through market relevant programmes including in accounting, IT, entrepreneurship, tourism and applied languages that meet immediate requirements of the local population. SPCE, which is licensed by the Ministries of Education and Science, and of Labor, works in close collaboration with local and state institutions.

http://kabar.kg/eng/society/full/4478
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Kyrgyzstan: School Parliament: Mine, Yours, Ours

Video:

In modern democratic Kyrgyzstan, it is very important to educate youth on the spirit of social responsibility. This is why the project “Strengthening School Parliaments to Improve Children’s Participation in Local, Regional and National Decision-Making in the Kyrgyz Republic” has been launched. The project is implemented by the Public Foundation Kyrgyzstan Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP KG) in partnership with Foundation Education Initiatives Support (FEIS) with the financial support of the European Union and Aga Khan Foundation.

http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2012/0 ... ours-ours/
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The Aga Khan School, Osh celebrates its 10th anniversary

Bishkek, October 18/ Kabar /. The Aga Khan School – the first private school in Osh - today celebrated its 10th Anniversary in the presence of Princess Zahra Aga Khan.

Established in 2002, the school is part of a network of over 250 schools managed by the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) in East Africa, South Asia and Central Asia and provides close to 500 students with quality learning experiences in an environment which values diversity, and responds creatively to the educational needs of children.

The ceremony was also attended by Speaker of Osh City Kenesh, Vice Governor of Osh Oblast, Vice-Speaker Asiya Sasykbaeva, Vice Mayor of Osh City as well as 200 guests including senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, international organisations, parents, students and alumni.

“It is with great pride and admiration that we are here to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of this young school,” said Princess Zahra speaking at the ceremony. She went on to speak about His Highness the Aga Khan’s ambitious goal for the Aga Khan School. ‘The ability to make judgments that are grounded in solid information, and employ careful analysis should be one of the most important goals for any educational endeavour. As students develop this capacity, they can begin to grapple with the most important and difficult step: to learn to place such judgments in an ethical framework. Therein lies the formation of the kind of social consciousness that our world so desperately needs.’

The celebrations at the Aga Khan School included student performances and a special awards ceremony recognising high performing staff, and outstanding students for their community service and academic excellence.

“Building on a century of leadership in educational development, the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) established the Aga Khan School in Osh Kyrgyzstan in 2002 to offer an education for success in the modern world. Since the first graduating class in 2007, all 246 graduates have continued their education at local and international universities. This is a significant achievement,” said Nakat Abdulofizov, Head of Education, AKES, Kyrgyzstan.

For the past decade, the Aga Khan School has become an integral part of the Osh City community offering innovative education approaches to both students and teachers. The school encourages students to master multiple languages, promotes the use of communication and information technology, as well as nurtures the love of sciences by conducting annual science fairs. It challenges the students to be intellectually inquisitive and socially conscious, preparing them to become confident leaders so they may contribute their knowledge to the development of their country.

Each year the school presents several scholarships and needs-based discounts to students from different districts of Osh Oblast to pursue a high quality education.

"I love spending my free time in the Learning Resource Centre, one of the best parts of the school,” said Nurkyz Abdykerimova, a grade 11 student. “The school provides students with everything they need. My parents are very proud that I am a student here. They are always excited to tell people that their daughter attends the Aga Khan School. Before, my parents wanted me to stay here, but now they are eager for me to study abroad. Thanks to my scholarship, my parents will be able to support my pursuit of post-secondary education at an international university."

Following its mission of promoting quality education, the Aga Khan School has become the first school to be awarded a license from the Ministry of Education to offer certified professional development programmes to government school teachers impacting over 3,000 students. Developed in collaboration with the Osh Institute for Teachers Professional Development, these programmes highlight subjects such as the sciences, information technology, languages and critical thinking skills and have become models of best practice in Osh Oblast.

http://kabar.kg/eng/regions/full/5334
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Kyrgyz Government and the Aga Khan Foundation will extend support to farmers in 2013

Bishkek, 10 December / Kabar /. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Jantoro Satybaldiev met with head of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kyrgyzstan Nurzhahan Mawani. The Information Policy Department of the Kyrgyz Government’s Office reports.

During the meeting the sides discussed the development of cooperation, plans of the Aga Khan Development Network in 2013 to support rural producers. The Prime Minister proposed to consider the possibility of extending the support to farmers of the republic the next year.

Jantoro Satybaldiev and Nurzhahan Mawani also discussed the process of construction of the University of Central Asia in Naryn.

The Prime Minister said that the government is interested in speedy completion of the construction of the object.

http://kabar.kg/eng/society/full/5780
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Mahindra Comviva Signs Mobile Banking Deal with Kyrgyz Investment Credit Bank

KICB becomes first Bank to introduce mobile banking and payments services in Kyrgyzstan, powered by Mahindra Comviva’s mobiquity® solution

[Kyrgyz Investment Credit Bank is owned by Agakhan Fund for economic development]

http://www.mahindracomviva.com/media/Ma ... t-Bank.htm
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http://www.akipress.com/news:550704/

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12:45 03.11.2014

3 Nov 2014

Prince Aga Khan highly regards cooperation with Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek (AKIpress) - Aga Khan Prince Aga Khan IV highly regarded cooperation with Kyrgyzstan for 15 years.

The Network and the system built in Kyrgyzstan allow implementation of several activities carried out in the country presently, His Highness Aga Khan told reporters today during his visit to the campus of the University of Central Asia in Naryn.

The Aga Khan Foundation supports development of rural areas, microcrediting and education system. This is primarily the quality of secondary education that should be on a high level, since secondary education impacts the quality of higher education. This is why the school was opened in Osh and the University will be opened in Naryn. Opening of the Academy is planned in Bishkek, Prine Aga Khan said.

Lots of projects are run in Kyrgyzstan by the Aga Khan Development Network, he said.
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http://www.akipress.com/news:550662/

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Prince Karim Aga Khan arrives in Kyrgyzstan on 4-day visit

Bishkek (AKIpress) - Prince Aga Khan IV His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in Bishkek on November 2 for a four-day visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of agencies working in economic, social and cultural development. AKDN has been engaged in the Kyrgyz Republic since 2000 operating the Aga Khan School in Osh, the Aga Khan Music Initiative, the First Microcredit Company, the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), Jubilee Insurance Kygyzstan and the Aga Khan Foundation working in Osh and Naryn in the fields of rural development, early childhood development, health, education and disaster reduction.

His Highness the Aga Khan is also the Chancellor of the University of Central Asia (UCA), which was founded by him and the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. During this visit, His Highness will travel to Naryn, where he will review progress on the construction of UCA’s main campus and brief provincial and local leaders on developments, including the opening of the Naryn campus which will admit its first undergraduate students in September 2016.

He will also review developments of AKDN’s activities with the country’s senior leadership including His Excellency Almazbek Atambayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Speaker of Parliament Asylbek Jeenbekov, Prime Minister Joomart Otorbayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs Erlan Abdyldaev and Minister of Education Kanat Sadykov.
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http://kabar.kg/eng/politics/full/11269

Speaker of Kyrgyz Parliament discussed with head of Aga Khan Development Network bilateral cooperation

Bishkek, October 28 / Kabar /. Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh Asylbek Jeenbekov on October 27 received the head of the Delegation of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Kyrgyzstan Shamshi-Kassim Lakha.

Speaker Jeenbekov thanked AKDN for assistance in addressing the current economic and social problems in the country and improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations in mountainous regions. He stressed the need to expand existing activities of Aga Khan Development Network in remote areas of the country, including to improve the health and education services, access to clean drinking water and other priority areas of development.

Jeenbekov also stressed the importance of implementing by the Fund two major programs, in particular, such as support for the development of mountain regions and the development of civil society. Regarding cooperation in education, the Speaker noted that the Kyrgyz side focuses on construction of the humanities and applied sciences school campus for graduates of the High School of the University of Central Asia (UCA) in Naryn.

Referring to the importance of cooperation between the parties in the financial sector, Jeenbekov appreciated activities of the First microcredit company providing loans to vulnerable people living in mountain areas, established by the Aga Khan Agency.

Jeenbekov also noted the importance of the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), established at the initiative of the AKDN in 2001.

The sides also exchanged views on the development of parliamentary democracy in the country. A. Jeenbekov stressed the importance of civil society in promoting democratic institutions in the country. The meeting took place on the occasion of the start of Shamshi Kassim-Lakh’s mission as the Head of Delegation.
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His Highness the Aga Khan to visit Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek, 1 November / Kabar/. His Highness the Aga Khan is expected to arrive in Bishkek tomorrow for a four-day visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of agencies working in economic, social and cultural development. AKDN has been engaged in the Kyrgyz Republic since 2000 operating the Aga Khan School in Osh, the Aga Khan Music Initiative, the First Microcredit Company, the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), Jubilee Insurance Kygyzstan and the Aga Khan Foundation working in Osh and Naryn in the fields of rural development, early childhood development, health, education and disaster reduction.

His Highness the Aga Khan is also the Chancellor of the University of Central Asia (UCA), which was founded by him and the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. During this visit, His Highness will travel to Naryn, where he will review progress on the construction of UCA’s main campus and brief provincial and local leaders on developments, including the opening of the Naryn campus which will admit its first undergraduate students in September 2016.

He will also review developments of AKDN’s activities with the country’s senior leadership including His Excellency AlmazbekAtambayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Speaker of Parliament AsylbekJeenbekov, Prime Minister JoomartOtorbayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs ErlanAbdyldaev andMinister of Education KanatSadykov.
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His Highness the Aga Khan visits Kyrgyzstan to review AKDN activities
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03/11/2014 13:32
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DUSHANBE, November 3, 2014, Asia-Plus -- His Highness the Aga Khan has visited Kyrgyzstan.

According to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Kyrgyzstan, Hi Highness the Aga Khan arrived in Bishkek Saturday (November 2) evening and the purpose of the visit is for His Highness the Aga Khan to review AKDN activities in Kyrgyzstan.

His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). In Islam’s ethical tradition, religious leaders not only interpret the faith but also have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life in their community and in the societies amongst which they live. For His Highness the Aga Khan, this has meant a deep engagement with development for over 50 years through the agencies of the AKDN.

The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s ten development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The Network engagement has ranged from early childhood development to university and adult education, from micro-credit to banking and financial services, from supporting tradition-bearers in music and oral recitation to building capacity of civil society institutions, from tourism to infrastructure development. Its annual budget for social development is US$600 million. In Kyrgyzstan, close to 1,420 people most of who are local citizens are directly employed by AKDN and its various agencies.
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4 November 2014 y. Tuesday. Moscow time 22:52

The Aga Khan reviews progress of UCA’s Naryn campus in Kyrgyzstan «The Times of Central Asia»

BISHKEK (TCA) - His Highness the Aga Khan (in the photo), Chancellor of the University of Central Asia (UCA), yesterday visited the Naryn campus in Kyrgyzstan, the first of UCA's three new undergraduate campuses spread across the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.

The UCA Chancellor was accompanied by Kyrgyzstan's Minister for Education Kanat Sadykov and Naryn Governor Amanbay Kayipov, among others. The delegation toured the first phase of construction of the Naryn campus, which includes an academic block, residential dormitories for 150 students, and international standard sports facilities, the UCA said. The master plan and concept design for the campus, located on the banks of the Naryn River on 252 hectares of land provided by the Kyrgyz Government, were conceived by award-winning architecture firm Arata Isozaki & Associates.

UCA was jointly founded in 2000 by the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan. The university's mission is to offer an internationally recognised standard of higher education in Central Asia and prepare graduates to contribute leadership and innovation to the economies and communities of the region.

The Aga Khan was very pleased that construction is on schedule and that the first students would be enrolled in September 2016. Students will be admitted on a merit basis regardless of their ability to pay.

"We live in a knowledge society today where access to good quality education and research leads to sustainable development. It is our aspiration that the University of Central Asia will offer teaching and research on the challenges and prospects of the mountainous areas of Central Asia and the twenty to thirty million people who inhabit them," explained His Highness the Aga Khan. "I am very pleased that the Naryn campus of UCA will be the first to admit students, starting in 2016. They will benefit from a unique curriculum developed in partnership with world-renowned universities as well as some of the best academic and residential facilities in the region."

The five year undergraduate programme offered by UCA will include preparatory, cross-disciplinary, core and prerequisite courses, as well as the choice of six specialisations or majors. Each of the three campuses will offer two majors, from amongst Computer Science, Economics, Communications and Media, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Business and Management, and Engineering Sciences. Students will also have the opportunity to study for a minor in Central Asian Studies, Development Studies or Globalisation Studies.

The Chancellor and his delegation also visited UCA's School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) in Naryn town, which provides over 50 professional and vocational programmes in eight areas of study. Since 2006, SPCE has reached over 19,000 learners in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The first UCA campus currently employs 350 construction professionals, with over 50% from Naryn. In 2013 and 2014, $6.5 million in contracts and procurement were awarded locally.

Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Head of the AKDN Representation to the Kyrgyz Republic and Executive Chairman of the UCA Board Executive Committee, said: "UCA benefits from being part of AKDN enabling us to draw on the Network's experience of developing the renowned Aga Khan University, now operational in several countries of Asia, Africa and the United Kingdom. When UCA's Naryn campus opens in 2016, we will be embarking on a new journey, opening the first campus of the first regional university in Central Asia."

His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network's ten development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The Network engagement has ranged from early childhood development to university and adult education, from micro-credit to banking and financial services, from supporting tradition-bearers in music and oral recitation to building capacity of civil society institutions, from tourism to infrastructure development. Its annual budget for social development is US $600 million. In Kyrgyzstan, close to 1,420 people most of who are local citizens are directly employed by AKDN and its various agencies.


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This is from UCLA Twitter, nice pics of H.H. The Aga Khan to the UCLA campus in November 2014.
Last edited by Admin on Tue Nov 04, 2014 4:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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4 more pics of H.H. The Aga Khan's visit to Kyrgyzstan from 2nd to 6th November 2014

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Speaker of Parliament reaffirms his support for Aga Khan Development Network programs in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek (AKIpress) - Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan Asylbek Jeenbekov received yesterday Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative for Kyrgyzstan and Executive Chairman, the Board Executive Committee of the University of Central Asia (UCA), who briefed him on current and planned AKDN initiatives in the country.

“The AKDN’s long-term and trusted partnership with Kyrgyzstan has made a significant contribution to development of the country, especially to its rural and mountainous regions. The Parliament highly values its partnership with the AKDN and remains supportive of its programs in the country,” underlined the Speaker during the meeting.

Kassim-Lakha briefed the Speaker on the current progress of major AKDN initiatives in the country, including the construction of the UCA Naryn Campus which is progressing on schedule to admit its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2016. He also touched upon the AKDN multi-input area development initiative for Naryn. Both sides agreed that these strategic investments along with other national projects would serve as a springboard for the development of Naryn into an economically vibrant region.

The AKDN Diplomatic Representative also expressed his appreciation for the continued personal support of the Speaker and that of the Parliament extended to the AKDN. “The Kyrgyz Republic is fortunate to have a democratic system with the Parliament that has a wise leadership working towards improvement of the quality of life of the people of Kyrgyzstan. It is reassuring that the Parliament values the positive contribution of civil society and recognises the important role it can play towards socio-economic development of the country,” underlined Kassim-Lakha.

Since 2002, AKDN has been supporting the establishment of institutions and programs that help develop an economically dynamic, politically stable and intellectually and culturally vibrant Kyrgyzstan. Its programs range from financial institutions, including the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank and the First MicroCredit Company to support for the “tradition-bearers” of Kyrgyz music and oral recitation in several districts. Its rural development, health and education projects in Alai and Chon Alai districts of the Osh Oblast and Naryn Oblast are implemented through the Aga Khan Foundation and its implementing partner, Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP).

http://www.akipress.com/news:561874/
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09:08 14.07.2015

Speaker of Parliament reaffirms his support for Aga Khan Development Network programs in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek (AKIpress) - Aga Khan Development Network Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan Asylbek Jeenbekov received yesterday Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative for Kyrgyzstan and Executive Chairman, the Board Executive Committee of the University of Central Asia (UCA), who briefed him on current and planned AKDN initiatives in the country.

“The AKDN’s long-term and trusted partnership with Kyrgyzstan has made a significant contribution to development of the country, especially to its rural and mountainous regions. The Parliament highly values its partnership with the AKDN and remains supportive of its programs in the country,” underlined the Speaker during the meeting.

Kassim-Lakha briefed the Speaker on the current progress of major AKDN initiatives in the country, including the construction of the UCA Naryn Campus which is progressing on schedule to admit its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2016. He also touched upon the AKDN multi-input area development initiative for Naryn. Both sides agreed that these strategic investments along with other national projects would serve as a springboard for the development of Naryn into an economically vibrant region.

The AKDN Diplomatic Representative also expressed his appreciation for the continued personal support of the Speaker and that of the Parliament extended to the AKDN. “The Kyrgyz Republic is fortunate to have a democratic system with the Parliament that has a wise leadership working towards improvement of the quality of life of the people of Kyrgyzstan. It is reassuring that the Parliament values the positive contribution of civil society and recognises the important role it can play towards socio-economic development of the country,” underlined Kassim-Lakha.

Since 2002, AKDN has been supporting the establishment of institutions and programs that help develop an economically dynamic, politically stable and intellectually and culturally vibrant Kyrgyzstan. Its programs range from financial institutions, including the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank and the First MicroCredit Company to support for the “tradition-bearers” of Kyrgyz music and oral recitation in several districts. Its rural development, health and education projects in Alai and Chon Alai districts of the Osh Oblast and Naryn Oblast are implemented through the Aga Khan Foundation and its implementing partner, Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP).
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Aga Khan Foundation launches project to increase comprehensive reading and analytical skills among children

Bishkek (AKIpress) - Broadcast of 13 programs of total 26 developed and shot has started through the National TV and Balastan channels as a continuation of the “Read Together” talk show initiated by the Aga Khan Foundation in Kyrgyzstan.

Participants of the programs are parents and children aged 7-12 from different regions of the country. The program is held in the form of competition on reading books: questions on critical and logical thinking, interactive tasks with parents’ participation, and different games on the content of the books.

The program is developed by the Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with Balastan channel of the Public Service Broadcaster with the support of USAID.

Under this project, USAID funds conversion of 15 children’s books and activities to be used on a multilingual (Kyrgyz, Russian and English) mobile application/game in addition to the first application on 10 books developed by the Aga Khan Foundation.

The aim of the project is encouraging out-of-school reading, promote book-related activities in the home and community, and increasing public awareness about the importance of reading for education and life-long success.

http://akipress.com/news:565731
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National Geographic focus on the Pamirs: The future of wildlife is in our hands

The future of wildlife is in our hands: the future of snow leopards is in the hands of local communities
By Tatjana Rosen January 14, 2016

World Wildlife Day is fast approaching (3 March) and this year’s theme is the “The future of wildlife is in our hands”. This brings on a reflection that without the support of local people and communities that share the habitat with snow leopards and their prey, the future of snow leopards would be a gloomy one. So as we prepare to celebrate the wildlife, we are also celebrating the people that make it possible to ensure the survival of snow leopards into the future. Today I want to celebrate one person and the community-based conservancy he has lead since 2012.

Mahan and “Burgut”

Mahan is an ethnic Kyrgyz in his mid-30s who grew up in Alichur, in the eastern Pamirs of Tajikistan. His face shows the wrinkles and the tan of many hours spent out in the cold and the glaring high altitude sun. Hunting, what we call poaching, has been part of his life until he realized that it was not sustainable, that the ibex and Marco Polo sheep (part of the argali family) were fast disappearing.

He had met Munavvar, a hunter who later became a conservationist, and who was in the process of establishing a community-based conservancy in the Wakhan in Tajikistan and started thinking about doing the same. He talked to other traditional hunters in Alichur and over time convinced them that it was time to protect the few remaining mountain ungulates. He connected with our team and Stefan Michel, of the IUCN Caprinae Specialist Group, who shepherded him and the supporters he gathered, through the process of establishing a community-based conservancy and getting the land assigned. Getting the land assigned in this case means the right to receive a quota (for subsistence and trophy hunting of species that are legal to hunt) in exchange for protecting the land and its wildlife. The “Burgut” (which means golden eagle in Kyrgyz) conservancy was born.


Sustainable use: the conservation driver in the Pamirs

Mahan and his team are protecting the ibex and the Marco Polo sheep because of the realization that sooner rather than later they would have nothing left to hunt and to feed their families. Panthera doesn’t pay them to go on patrols. Rangers don’t get salaries from us. We support them through training but they do not have an immediate economic incentive to spend hours each day patrolling. All these rangers have families to care for, livestock to tend to, and paying jobs to attend to. Spending time in the mountains patrolling is a cost to them and they cannot even hunt anything. So what is the incentive? Other than the sheer realization that either they protect animals that are part of the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people (see the Kaiberen story) or lose them forever, the fact that there are foreign hunters willing to pay thousands of dollars to shoot trophy sized ibex and Marco Polo sheep (USD 5000 for an ibex; and USD 30,000 for a Marco Polo sheep) makes an incredible difference, especially if the proceeds from the hunts are invested in projects and activities that benefit the community as a whole. Foreign hunters are only interested in the trophy and generally the meat is shared in the community.

Why nature tourism alone is not an incentive for conservation in the High Pamirs

The Aga Khan Foundation, especially through the Mountain Societies Development Program (MSDSP), and the Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association (PECTA) have done a stellar job in promoting the Pamirs as a tourist destination. Matthias Poeschel of MSDSP and Zhandyia Zoolshoeva of PECTA merged their incredible energy and ideas to put yak riding in Alichur on the map and to promote tourism in the Pamirs especially to European tourists.

Tajikistan and its Gorno-Badakhsan Autonomous Region, where the Pamir mountain range stretches, are full of surprises: political instability, landslides, floods and earthquakes; all too frequently these elements shut this region down to the world or scare tourists away. So to date, Tajikistan still attracts largely the adventure tourist, the kind that does not have too much money to spend. In contrast, hunters coming to Tajikistan do not seem to be particularly affected by these factors.

Therefore, while it would be ideal if monetarily nature tourism could replace hunting tourism, this is still not possible in Tajikistan, under the current circumstances.

The future

It is hard to tell what Alichur and neighboring villages will look like in the future. Mahan dreams of a good education and life for his children, Uluhubek, Abdullo and Uroke. And so do many of the people in Alichur. There could be dramatic changes one day, maybe the children of Mahan and the other villagers will choose a different life for themselves away from Alichur and then new and different conservation challenges might emerge. But until then, the future of snow leopards and their prey is best preserved in the hands of people like Mahan.

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“Kyrgyzstan is very important for us,” says AKDN Representative Shamsh Kassim-Lakha

Bishkek (AKI Press) January 19, 2016: This year the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) marks 15 years of its work in Kyrgyzstan. AKIpress talked to Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kyrgyzstan, about AKDN projects, values and many other topics.

Q: What does AKDN do in Kyrgyzstan?

A: I am a Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which is a private, non-religious, international development organisation. I am working on the University of Central Asia (UCA) project …

Q: Why do you work in Kyrgyzstan?

A: Kyrgyzstan is very important country for us. Tajikistan faced famine after gaining independence. We could not deliver food to Gorno Badakshan via Afghanistan or Uzbekistan. This was only possible via the Osh-Khorog road. We approached the Government of Kyrgyzstan, which responded favourably to our request …

His Highness the Aga Khan asked, “How we can help?” President Akaev and the Government requested our assistance in education. Then we asked what else? The Government responded we would like to develop our economy.

Read the complete interview at the source: AKI Press

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Kyrgyzstan: Aga Khan Foundation, USAID launch interactive mobile apps for children | AKIpress

Aga Khan Foundation, USAID launch interactive mobile apps for children

Bishkek (AKIpress) - Students, parents, government representatives, and development partners active in the education sector gathered at the National Children’s Library in Bishkek this week for the launch of a new television program and mobile application promoting early reading.

The Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with USAID, Balastan (a TV channel dedicated to children) and Avisa Technologies showcased a new television production, Read Together, and a complementary suite of interactive mobile phone applications, Fun Kitep 1 & 2.

In her official remarks at the opening, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Toktobubu Ashymbayeva highlighted the importance of literacy for child development, and emphasized that literacy is not merely reading but comprehension.

“These initiatives greatly help children to increase reading habits, skills, and foster a love for reading. Almost every child has a mobile device. Given that we live in a technological age, education must use Information Technologies,” noted Ashymbayeva.

The television program and mobile applications are part of a set of learning tools developed by the Aga Khan Foundation and USAID, which promote family reading, literacy, and nurture interest in books amongst young children. The Fun Kitep mobile applications provide interactive games, activities and quizzes related to 25 children’s books. These books have been digitalized and are available in Russian, Kyrgyz, and English.

Erkin Konurbayev, a representative from USAID, emphasized their commitment to promote literacy in Kyrgyzstan through the Reading Together Project. He added that children in the audience had already begun downloading and testing these applications.

Jalaluddin Shah, CEO, Aga Khan Foundation, Kyrgyzstan, underlined that this initiative was part of a broader effort by the Aga Khan Development Network, including the University of Central Asia, to strengthen learning achievement throughout the country.

http://www.akipress.com/news:572035/
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Opening of a new bridge in Kara-Kulja district provides access to one of the largest pastures in Osh Oblast

Bishkek, April 26 / Kabar /. Today, residents of Kara-Kulja District marked the opening of the Kok-Jar-Sai bridge in 1-May village which provides access to one of the largest pastures in Osh Oblast – spanning over 90,000 hectares of pasture and benefitting 8,000 people. This grazing area had been inaccessible until now as the previous bridge was destroyed by heavy rains and mud flows. This new passage facilitates access to this pasture which is an important source of local livelihoods.

To mark this occasion various local authorities and distinguished guests were present, including Mr. Asylbek Jeenbekov, Member, Jogorku Kenesh; Mr. Taalaibek Sarybashov, Governor, Osh Oblast; H.E. Robin Ord-Smith, British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan; Mr. Altaaf Hasham, Programme Management and Liaison Officer, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Representation in Kyrgyzstan; and Mr. Jalaluddin Shah, Chief Executive Officer, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Kyrgyzstan.

The bridge was constructed by the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme, an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, as part of a broader project funded by the Government of the United Kingdom. The Local Government of Kara-Kulja Ayil Aymak and Local Pasture Committee also contributed to the project by providing in-kind and financial support.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Asylbek Jeenbekov noted, “I am delighted that this project was completed through a partnership between the surrounding communities, the local government alongside reliable development partners such as the British Government and the Aga Khan Development Network. I am confident that access to this pasture will have a meaningful and positive impact on the local communities”.

Notes: The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, is a private, international, non-denominational development organisation. It employs over 80,000 people in over 30 countries. Its agencies address complex development issues, including the provision of quality healthcare and education services, cultural and economic revitalisation, micro-enterprise, entrepreneurship and economic development, the advancement of civil society and the protection of the environment. The AKDN aims to improve living conditions and opportunities for people without regard to their particular religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

http://kabar.kg/eng/regions/full/15762
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Aga Khan Health Services launches Medical and Diagnostic Center in Naryn

Bishkek (AKIpress) - The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) formally launched its Medical and Diagnostic Center in Naryn town on May 12.

The opening ceremony was attended by governor of Naryn region Amanbai Kaiypov, mayor of Naryn Rakhat Adiyev, Advisor to the Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan Kuban Kundashev and hosted by AKDN Diplomatic Representative in Kyrgyzstan Shamsh Kassim-Lakha and AKHS Regional Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fatima Ali.

According to national statistics, the population in Naryn region faces health concerns, such as child and maternal mortality that are higher than national average rates for the rest of the country.

In his welcome address, governor Kaiypov noted: “We appreciate the timely establishment of this Center which we first raised with His Highness the Aga Khan when he visited Naryn less than 18 months ago. We are grateful for his acceptance of our request and delighted that within such a short span we are today inaugurating a facility where people of Naryn can access quality healthcare services some of which were previously unavailable in the region.”

The Center, operating under a license issued by the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, is staffed with qualified doctors and other medical professionals to provide reliable and affordable services in gynecology, obstetrics, cardiology, family medicine and paediatrics.

“We are delighted that this Center equipped with a modern laboratory and innovative technologies will provide exemplary healthcare services to residents of Naryn without regard to their faith, origin and gender,” stated Talantbek Batyraliyev, Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan in his address as conveyed by his Advisor during the event.

Equipped with a general x-ray, doppler ultrasound, ECG services, gastro-endoscopy services with generous support of the government of Canada and the AKDN. The Center will also offer full laboratory services including biochemistry, pathology and hematology tests. A well-stocked pharmacy available on the premises will accommodate to the needs of its patients.

“This not-for-profit medical institution is part of the AKDN’s multi-sectoral investments made in Naryn [region] to improve the quality of life of people. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan and Naryn authorities for their excellent cooperation and support which made the opening of this Center possible within a relatively short period,” remarked the AKDN Diplomatic Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

Photos:

http://akipress.com/news:576998/
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