Astana, September 9, 2011 – Today Mr. Serik Irsaliyev, the Vice Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ms. Sebnem Akkaya, the World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan, announced the official launch of the Technical and Vocational Education Modernization Project for the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project was introduced to academicians, teachers, government officials and public and in the capital and further – in Northern and Southern Kazakhstan cities Karaganda and Shymkent.
"We expect that participation of the World Bank will provide a high level of international expertise and project management. - Said the Vice Minister Serik Irsaliev. – The labor market will obtain modern standardized requirements for employees as a result the project. Based on these requirements we will update educational standards and programs. In order to implement new programs lyceums will be equipped with modern facilities. This will allow us to provide training of personnel which will be capable in implementing advanced technologies and providing high productivity. MES will have the general responsibility for the project implementation. The project will be implemented considering the recommendations of the National, industrial and regional councils."
The Project with the total amount of US$ 33.23 million, including Kazakhstan Government co-financing of US$ 4 million, is provided by the World Bank in support of improved workforce productivity in key sectors and enhanced skills development capacity to meet the demands of key industries and businesses in Kazakhstan. It will be implemented from 2010 to 2013 by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“The Project will assist the Republic of Kazakhstan in improving the quality, relevance and efficiency of technical and vocational education through an improved policy framework and institutional capacity. The World Bank is very proud to team up with the Government for the implementation of this project. Going forward, it is necessary to focus on further advancing the country’s competitiveness by strengthening institutions, improving education and investing in people.”, said Sebnem Akkaya, the World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan.
The Project is expected to bring long-term benefits through the improved employability of graduates as the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education (further as TVE) improve, and the supply of specialists demanded in the labor market increases.
The project will raise the rate of returns to TVE as the skills and competencies of the graduates of the “new” TVE system are significantly enhanced and match the requirements of the dynamic labor market; and contribute to increased workforce productivity and competitiveness.
The World Bank’s overall mission in Kazakhstan is to help the Government in achieving diversified and sustainable economic growth and improving the living standards of population. To date, the Bank has provided 37 loans to Kazakhstan for the total amount of over US$ 5.5 billion.
