News block

More than 200 graduates from the University of Central Asia’s Aga Khan Humanities Project (UCA-AKHP) and School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) were awarded certificates at UCA’s 5th Graduation Ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe on 21 September 2013.

“UCA’s programmes in Dushanbe demonstrate the importance of the University having a presence in the capital and our commitment to meeting critical educational needs there. In fact, UCA will be expanding our programmes in Dushanbe in the near future," said UCA Director General Bohdan Krawchenko.

In his keynote address, chief guest Mr Malikov Tavakal, Head of the Social Sphere Department, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Tajikistan emphasised the value of a SPCE education; “SPCE gives its graduates the skills to excel and be the best in their profession. Even after graduation, this can be achieved through furthur cooperation with SPCE.”

Chief Guest Mr Malikov Tavakal, Head of the Social Sphere Department, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Tajikistan delivering his keynote address.

Fifty secondary school and university students were awarded certificates for completing AKHP’s integrated Humanities in English course. The course uses an interdisciplinary approach and AKHP’s innovative curriculum to study the human condition and nature of societies; promote pluralism of ideas and cultures in Central Asia; and foster valuable skills such as analytic reasoning, critical thinking and teamwork.

“Our programme exposes students to a range of information, ideas and skills. When they graduate, they are well-placed to pursue further students both in and beyond the region, and to provide intellectual leadership in their communities,” said Sharofat Mamadambarova, Head of AKHP.

SPCE graduates included students completing SPCE’s internationally-benchmarked professional programmes. Twenty students received the Professional Certificate in Accounting Technology (ATC), which qualifies them as accountants in small enterprises and non-governmental organisations, and as bookkeepers and accountants in larger organisations. It also prepares them for the more advanced Certified Accounting Practitioner qualification. ATC is based on International Financial Reporting Standards and SPCE’s course is the first of its kind in Central Asia.

Graduates also included students who completed a range of SPCE’s English programmes. Twenty-one received a Certificate of Achievement in SPCE’s English for Business Programme, which is based on the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) curriculum. SPCE is a registered LCCI examination centre, and four graduates received the LCCI Certificate.



The 2013 SPCE and AKHP graduates after the ceremony in Dushanbe.

Sixty students, including civil servants and employees of the State Forestry Department, received a Record of Achievement in SPCE’s Conversational English programme. Finally, 49 students received a Professional Certificate in English for Academic purposes. Developed by SPCE, in cooperation with the University of Ottawa, Canada, the programme prepares students for international English language proficiency tests and admission to international universities.

SPCE is Central Asia’s first provider of post-secondary, short-cycle education giving young people and adults professional and vocational qualifications that improve employment and income generating opportunities. The School is a leading provider of educational literature, having published over 220 textbooks in support of its programmes. With learning facilities in Khorog and Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Naryn and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Tekeli and Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan and a Project Office in Faizabad, Afghanistan, SPCE offers certificate programmes in 30 areas.

AKHP was established in 1997 and became a part of University of Central Asia in 2007.  AKHP’s innovative curriculum and its interactive pedagogy foster critical thinking, analytic skills, pluralism and civic values. AKHP’s curriculum is organised thematically across eight textbooks: Introduction to the Humanities; Individual and Society; Tradition and Change; Identifying Civil Society; Seeking Social Justice; Negotiating Human Nature; Art as Appreciation; and Rhythm and Movement. AKHP has promoted curriculum and pedagogical development through long-term partnerships with state universities. AKHP courses are offered at 51institutions across the region engaging over 350 instructors and reaching 8,150 students.

Photo Gallery:

University of Central Asia Celebrates 5th Graduation Ceremony in Dushanbe http://www.ucentralasia.org/photos.asp?Aid=43