The Swiss project “CHeber: Skills Development in Kyrgyzstan” will host the CHeber Excellence Awards 2026 on 16 October in Bishkek as part of Adult Education Week 2026. The Awards are a national initiative recognizing outstanding practices and innovative approaches in non-formal skills training across Kyrgyzstan.
The Award Ceremony marks the culmination of a national competition designed to identify, showcase and celebrate effective approaches to skills development. It also aims to create opportunities for training providers to learn from one another, strengthen the quality and relevance of their services, and inspire further innovation across the non-formal training sector.
Applications were assessed by an independent Selection Committee against a set of common and nomination-specific criteria, including relevance, demonstrated results, quality and effectiveness, sustainability, inclusion, innovation, and responsiveness to labour market needs.
The Awards will recognize good practices across six nominations:
- Mastery – excellence in training quality and professional skills development;
- NextGen – innovative approaches and new solutions in skills training;
- Together – inclusive approaches that expand access to skills development;
- Employer Partnership – effective cooperation between training providers and employers;
- Growth Navigator – career guidance and support for learners’ professional development;
- Eco Vector – integration of green skills and environmentally responsible approaches into training.
Winners in each nomination will also receive capacity-building support aimed at strengthening their training provision. First-place winners will receive equipment, materials or other agreed items with a total value of up to KGS 100,000, while second-place winners will receive support valued at up to KGS 50,000. The items will be selected based on the needs of the winning organizations and should contribute directly to the further development and quality of their training services.
In addition to recognizing the Award winners, the event will provide a platform to reflect on lessons emerging from the selection process, including the strengths demonstrated by local training providers, areas that require further development, and opportunities for cooperation across the skills development ecosystem.
The Awards are organized within the framework of CHeber: Skills Development in Kyrgyzstan, an initiative of the Government of Switzerland, implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation. The project supports the development of inclusive, labour market-relevant and sustainable non-formal vocational skills training in Kyrgyzstan.
For media inquiries: Altynai Moldoeva, Deputy Team Leader, CHeber: Skills Development in Kyrgyzstan Project, Email: Altynai.Moldoeva@helvetas.org, Tel.: +996 778 404 930.