TURKMENISTAN: DAS KROL MEETING WITH EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001175

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, EUR/ACE, SCA/PPD, ECA
AID/W FOR EE/EA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID SCUL KPAO TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: DAS KROL MEETING WITH EDUCATION LEADERSHIP


1. (SBU) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: In a pleasant, introductory meeting with Deputy
Assistant Secretary George Krol, Turkmenistan's Deputy Chairman of
the Cabinet of Ministers for Education, Health, Science, Sports, and
Tourism Hydyr Saparlyev described educational reforms and the
construction of new schools. He said there is now Internet access
in some schools, but this needs to be extended to all schools. He
praised exchange programs such as the U.S. FLEX program. He also
spoke positively about possible university partnerships with
Columbia University, Texas A&M, or others. The meeting served as a
useful overview of official Turkmen views on developments in these
areas. END SUMMARY.

OVERVIEW OF EDUCATION


3. (SBU) Deputy Assistant Secretary George Krol met September 3
with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers for Education,
Health, Science, Sports and Tourism Hydyr Saparlyev as well as
Education Minister Muhammetgeldi Annaamanov to discuss education in
Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman Saparlyev led the discussion and
provided broad and positive overviews of progress in education. He
said one of President Berdimuhamedov's main goals is to provide a
quality education for all students. Education is free to all.
(COMMENT: While education is "free," the practice of paying bribes
for admission is widely known. END COMMENT.) Saparlyev noted the
construction of 40 new schools, including many with great sports
facilities. Children now have the opportunity to study almost any
sport from first until 10th grade. Some schools even have swimming
pools. The new schools are outfitted with health units in case
students fall ill. Students also learn basic hygiene and health
principles. He said many more new schools needed to be built. He
noted Internet access was being made available in some schools, but
that access also needed to be extended. Saparlyev said that there
are distance learning programs. Teachers are effectively using
technology in all the provinces. Saparlyev also described briefly
new money ($45 million) to be spent on science labs for schools.


4. (SBU) Saparlyev mentioned the importance of exchanges and study
abroad for Turkmen students, including the U.S. FLEX program. He
spoke positively about possible university partnerships with
Columbia University, Texas A&M, or others. He also said that the
government completely funds some students' study abroad. In
addition to room, board, books and tuition, the government provides
a clothing allowance and a stipend and covers travel costs. Students
study Korean, Japanese, and other languages to prepare.


5. (SBU) Pointing to the decision this year to resume post-graduate
education, Saparlyev said that talented young people who want to get
Masters and Doctoral degrees are now able to do so. Three years of
post-graduate study is needed to get a Masters degree. A further
three years of study will lead to a doctorate. Saparlyev also noted
the new specialties that are now available for undergraduates to
major in.


6. (SBU) Regarding USAID's Quality Learning Program, Saparlyev said
they were studying the proposal. He said that teachers already
receive training in teaching methodology. In fact, there is
specific methodological training in each subject. He said that it
was under consideration and that Turkmenistan needs to use the best
elements of experience from many countries and use elements that
suit local conditions.

HEALTH


7. (SBU) When asked about progress in the health sector, Saparlyev
pointed to the construction of new medical centers all across the
country and in each district. When asked about the capacity of the
government to provide doctors and specialists for all of these new
locations, Saparlyev said that the appropriate experts were being
prepared. He said it is the policy of the president to provide
free, quality healthcare to all. (COMMENT: The reality is that to
receive quality healthcare and medicine, one has to pay. END

ASHGABAT 00001175 002 OF 002


COMMENT.)

SUMMER CAMPS


8. (SBU) Saparlyev said the government has built six children's
summer camps and ten more are planned for next year. For a fixed
monthly price, children can enjoy fresh air and various sports and
craft activities during the thre-month long summer holiday.


9. (SBU) COMMENT: While some changes, such as the reintroduction of
graduate study and the reestablishment of the Supreme Council on
Science and Technology, are important steps, educational reform in
Turkmenistan has a long way to go. Many real challenges remain such
as bribes for entry to schools, lack of materials or teacher
training, or the lack of expertise and quality in the healthcare
sector. END COMMENT.


10. (U) DAS Krol has cleared this cable.

CURRAN