DUSHANBE, July 7, 2015, Asia-Plus -- The University of Central Asia (UCA) Summer Camp ended yesterday, with a closing ceremony at the Sinegorie Pansionat resort, on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan.

According to UCA, the closing ceremony was attended by Mrs. Rita Borbukeeva, Deputy Governor of Issyk-Kul Oblast, Mrs. Kadisha Dairova, Vice President of Student Affairs, International Cooperation and Government Relations at Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan, Mr. David Agnew, President of Seneca College Canada and Mr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Diplomatic Representative of Aga Khan Development Network for Kyrgyzstan and Executive Chairman of the UCA Board Executive Committee.

The 76 Grade 10 students from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan who attended the Camp represent a talented cohort of Central Asian students, selected through a competitive regional admissions process that had as many as 850 applicants.  At the closing ceremony, each student received a certificate of participation. The closing ceremony was led by the camp participants, which included performances such as a traditional Tajik dance, Kyrgyz komuz recitation and a short play.

The three week Summer Camp, which started on 17 June 2015, provided a unique academic enrichment experience for participants to improve their English and math skills, receive critical support to enter local or international universities and engage in other activities, including sports, drama, debating, science and field trips, which provided opportunities to practice English-language skills, learn and share experiences.

Following the Camp, UCA will link applicants to UCA with mentors from different countries via Skype.  These mentors will provide students further support on how to prepare for, and secure, a world-class education.

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University, which was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. UCA was established to offer an internationally recognized standard of higher education in Central Asia and prepare graduates to contribute leadership, ideas and innovation to the economies and communities of the region.  UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network.