Uza. Within the official visit of EU and UNDP representatives to Termez, the second phase of the funded by the European Union Project on “Enhancing the capacities of Surkhandarya Region to educate and train Afghan citizens” was launched.

This project was launched in 2022 to create new and expand existing education opportunities for Afghan citizens in Surkhandarya region, focusing on youth and women. As a result of the project, over 330 Afghan citizens have been trained. It also helped to strengthen the work capacities of the Educational Centre for Training Afghan Citizens (ECTAC).

The second phase of the project will provide support to educate 400 students in various in-demand professions both locally and globally, including in Afghanistan. The best students who demonstrated their aspiration and dedication will be able to advance their education with business management skills and will have the opportunity to receive small grants to turn their ideas into real income for themselves and their peers.

“The European Union is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Uzbek authorities, the Education Centre to train Afghan Citizens in Termez, and UNDP to support displaced Afghan citizens in Surkhandarya Region of Uzbekistan”, said H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan. “The initiative under the second phase not only provides Afghan citizens with additional education and training, thereby supporting their livelihood, but it will also make their stay in Uzbekistan more safe and resilient”.

“We are expanding our project focus to provide Afghan citizens with the practical skills and knowledge that is key to succeed in the workforce and to contribute to the development of the local economy”, said Mr. Anas Fayyad Qarman, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Uzbekistan. “It is also helping to build bridges between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and to promote regional cooperation and stability. We are grateful for the support of the EU in this important project, and we are committed to working together to ensure that all Afghan citizens have access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances”.

During their visit, the EU and UNDP delegation met with ECTAC staff and Afghan students to discuss the project’s progress and to identify areas for further cooperation.