TURKMENISTAN: CABINET OF MINISTERS AGAIN PUSHES EDUCATION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 000812 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, EUR/ACE, IIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SCUL KPAO TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: CABINET OF MINISTERS AGAIN PUSHES EDUCATION REFORM ¶1. (SBU) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: In an extended meeting on June 23, the Cabinet of Ministers discussed, at length, education reform, including planned increases for matriculation into higher education and vocational schools and state support of students, teachers and study-abroad programs. While the discussion seemed to build upon previous statements of intent regarding reform, real questions remain as to the political will of the government or the Education Ministry, the availability of qualified teachers, and corruption in the educational system. END SUMMARY. ¶3. (U) President Berdimuhamedov led an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to discuss issues of education reform. He signed an official resolution to establish the "Revival" center with the Turkmen state publishing house, which will work to increase the number of books at libraries and educational organizations. He also signed a resolution for increasing study-abroad programs and guaranteeing work for those returning with foreign degrees. So far, further details are unavailable. ¶4. (U) Education Minister Annaamanov cited increases in matriculation to higher education and special professional schools, which provide the equivalent of a U.S. associate degree. Enrollment into higher education increased by approximately 10% from last year, while special professional school enrollment increased by approximately 5%. Additionally, many institutions are beginning to feature new specializations and courses, including Italian and Chinese language courses, "international journalism," and "international financial markets." The cabinet also stressed the campaign to widen the scope of state entrance exams, which will feature three components - one primary specialization, one special subject and knowledge of the Ruhnama. (NOTE: Although Ruhnama tests are still required, many of the embassy's education contacts informally report that the emphasis on the test is waning, and that the test itself covers general knowledge of history and culture, instead of the previous expectation that students recite exact passages or words of praise for Turkmenistan's first president. END NOTE.) All programs, as before, require passing exams in Turkmen language which tends to disadvantage those who study in Russian language secondary schools. ¶5. (U) Deputy Chairman of Finance Geldimyradov proclaimed the state's role in supporting middle-school (equivalent to Western high-school) students to advance to higher education or an associate degree. The cabinet publicly recognized the problem of unemployment and advocated for a number of programs aimed at providing for those graduating from middle school who are unable to enter university. Currently, over 100,000 students per graduating class are not able to continue their education after middle school. ¶6. (U) It was also reported that the discussion brought up and reiterated a commitment to a series of reforms from last year about raising teachers' salaries and student stipends. Similarly, other ministers discussed new policy measures; the possibility of Turkmenistan banks giving stipends to help poorer students complete their education; opening new study-abroad programs; and guaranteeing work in appropriate fields for those returning with foreign diplomas. Other areas included commitments to improving the technology of the schools, including smart boards, Internet, and the acquisition of foreign periodicals. ¶7. (U) The details of the education reform were published in the next day's edition of the official newspaper, "Neutral Turkmenistan," which is widely circulated. The paper also featured a "classifieds"-style section listing the new concentrations and programs and giving details on how to apply. ¶8. (SBU) COMMENT: While the transparent nature of the process (detailed press coverage, newspaper applications for academic institutions) seems to support earlier claims made by officials regarding education reform, it remains to be seen whether or not Berdimuhamedov and education officials have the capacity to carry through with actually transforming the Soviet-style education ASHGABAT 00000812 002 OF 002 system. Though the increased number of specializations or "majors" at the universities is laudable, it is important to note the shortage of qualified teaching personnel as well as the paradoxical nature of teaching a subject like "international journalism" in a country that has a state-controlled media and has limited access to information from abroad in the past. Similarly, while it is important to praise the government in its efforts to increase matriculation, thousands of middle-school graduates are unable to continue on to higher education or vocational programs and are forced to find low-paying or menial jobs. Although the entrance exams aim to cut back on corruption and make the education system more merit-based, there is still wide-spread evidence of bribery and the advancement of students solely through personal connections. END COMMENT. HOAGLAND