The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) has inaugurated a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workshop in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).  The launch reportedly coincided with the 34th Independence Day celebrations of Tajikistan’s Independence. 

Press release issued by UCA says that equipped with modern, state-of-the-art machinery, the workshop is the first of its kind in Tajikistan, providing specialized, hands-on training in the maintenance and repair of large vehicles and heavy equipment.  These technical skills are in high demand across the mountainous region, particularly within the infrastructure and transportation sectors.

The facility was established with the support of the German government through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), under the Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience (TRIGGER) project.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Mr. Sharifkhon Safarzoda, First Deputy Governor of GBAO, and Mr. Rizo Nazarzoda, Mayor of Khorog.

“There is a clear shortage of skilled technical specialists—including auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and others—in the local market.  The SPCE TVET complex has strong potential to help fill these gaps,” said Mr. Safarzoda.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Dilovar Butabekov, Director of SPCE, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project:

“This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships between UCA, government and development partners, and the community. The workshop creates new opportunities for our youth.”

Following the ceremony, guests were given a guided tour of the new facility by Mr. Farrukhsho Fraidonov, Country Head of SPCE Tajikistan.

UCA’s SPCE is the leading provider of short-cycle professional education across Central Asia, with 17 learning centers, including five in Afghanistan.  Its diverse portfolio of courses includes coding and digital security, media literacy, English language, IT, tourism, entrepreneurship, and trades such as electrical training, automotive repair, masonry, plumbing, and carpentry. SPCE is also the exclusive regional provider of international qualifications, including the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and Cambridge Assessment English, in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan