Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BISHKEK948
2008-09-19 07:10:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH KYRGYZ MINISTER OF EDUCATION
how-toVZCZCXRO6488 PP RUEHLN RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHEK #0948/01 2630710 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 190710Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY BISHKEK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1359 INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 2657 RUEHDBU/AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE 0057 RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC RUMICEA/USCENTCOM INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 3046 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2431 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO BRUSSELS BE RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000948
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN AND SCA/PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID KPAO KG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH KYRGYZ MINISTER OF EDUCATION
BISHKEK 00000948 001.2 OF 002
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000948
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN AND SCA/PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID KPAO KG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH KYRGYZ MINISTER OF EDUCATION
BISHKEK 00000948 001.2 OF 002
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION
1. (SBU) Summary: On September 12, the Ambassador met with Kyrgyz
Minister of Education Boldjurova. Boldjurova expressed pride in the
steps made over the years to improve the level of education in
Kyrgyzstan, but acknowledged that there should be a renewed focus on
improving teacher quality. The Ambassador pressed Boldjurova to
respond to several USAID initiatives that would help improve parts
of the education sector. The Ambassador also described plans being
developed by Peace Corps to provide new teaching materials to rural
schools and to work with students during the anticipated long winter
break. End Summary.
Tradition of Goodwill
--------------
2. (SBU) On September 12, the Ambassador held an introductory
meeting with Minister of Education Ishengul Boldjurova. Boldjurova
opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude for all the
assistance non-governmental organizations an USAID have provided
Kyrgyzstan. She said this has created a tradition of goodwill
between her ministry and these groups. Boldjurova particularly
pointed to efforts by USAID and the Embassy's Democracy Commission
to support academic honesty in universities and the National
Scholarship Testing Project as areas of success.
3. (SBU) Boldjurova did acknowledge that more attention must be
focused on quality of teachers and implementing modern teaching
methodologies. She said schools need to be friendlier to students,
and schools need to be teaching students those skills that are
needed in their regions. While Boldjurova demurred when asked
specifically what additional resources were needed, she said that
she wanted to ensure that all assistance from the various donors was
coordinated through her ministry.
USAID Stands Ready to Help, If You'll Only Let It
-------------- --------------
4. (SBU) The Ambassador thanked Boldjurova for her kind words, and
pointed to USAID's basic education project as a concrete way the
United States could help shore up a lagging portion of the
educational sector. She noted that USAID has been waiting since
August for the Ministry's approval of a memorandum of understanding
in order to begin work. USAID had coordinated with donors and
provided a matrix of proposed activities and responsibilities to the
ministry, but had not received any positive response. The
Ambassador also noted she shared the belief that the National
Scholarship Testing Project is an important initiative and that she
stands ready to discuss any concerns the Ministry may have over the
program.
Peace Corps Educational Initiatives
--------------
5. (SBU) The Ambassador informed Boldjurova that a group of Peace
Corps volunteers have almost finished writing a comprehensive
Kyrgyz-English grammar book and an English-to-Kyrgyz dictionary for
students studying English in rural areas. She also said that Peace
Corps is interested in working with the ministry to develop programs
that could be implemented by volunteers during the anticipated
winter school shutdowns. Volunteers have suggested working with
teachers on creating curricula and conducting short English language
camps. Boldjurova was very appreciative of all Peace Corps'
efforts. She directed her staff to work with Peace Corps to ensure
that they received all possible assistance from the Ministry.
Comment
--------------
6. (SBU) Boldjurova has been in her position nine months, a
relatively long tenure for a position that has had 11 ministers in
the past 10 years. While there have been difficulties with this
Ministry on a number of issues, it is encouraging to note that on
September 16, USAID received their first positive signals from the
BISHKEK 00000948 002.2 OF 002
Ministry on their memorandum of understanding. It is possible our
relations with this Ministry will be taking a turn for the better.
Gfoeller
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN AND SCA/PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID KPAO KG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH KYRGYZ MINISTER OF EDUCATION
BISHKEK 00000948 001.2 OF 002
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION
1. (SBU) Summary: On September 12, the Ambassador met with Kyrgyz
Minister of Education Boldjurova. Boldjurova expressed pride in the
steps made over the years to improve the level of education in
Kyrgyzstan, but acknowledged that there should be a renewed focus on
improving teacher quality. The Ambassador pressed Boldjurova to
respond to several USAID initiatives that would help improve parts
of the education sector. The Ambassador also described plans being
developed by Peace Corps to provide new teaching materials to rural
schools and to work with students during the anticipated long winter
break. End Summary.
Tradition of Goodwill
--------------
2. (SBU) On September 12, the Ambassador held an introductory
meeting with Minister of Education Ishengul Boldjurova. Boldjurova
opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude for all the
assistance non-governmental organizations an USAID have provided
Kyrgyzstan. She said this has created a tradition of goodwill
between her ministry and these groups. Boldjurova particularly
pointed to efforts by USAID and the Embassy's Democracy Commission
to support academic honesty in universities and the National
Scholarship Testing Project as areas of success.
3. (SBU) Boldjurova did acknowledge that more attention must be
focused on quality of teachers and implementing modern teaching
methodologies. She said schools need to be friendlier to students,
and schools need to be teaching students those skills that are
needed in their regions. While Boldjurova demurred when asked
specifically what additional resources were needed, she said that
she wanted to ensure that all assistance from the various donors was
coordinated through her ministry.
USAID Stands Ready to Help, If You'll Only Let It
-------------- --------------
4. (SBU) The Ambassador thanked Boldjurova for her kind words, and
pointed to USAID's basic education project as a concrete way the
United States could help shore up a lagging portion of the
educational sector. She noted that USAID has been waiting since
August for the Ministry's approval of a memorandum of understanding
in order to begin work. USAID had coordinated with donors and
provided a matrix of proposed activities and responsibilities to the
ministry, but had not received any positive response. The
Ambassador also noted she shared the belief that the National
Scholarship Testing Project is an important initiative and that she
stands ready to discuss any concerns the Ministry may have over the
program.
Peace Corps Educational Initiatives
--------------
5. (SBU) The Ambassador informed Boldjurova that a group of Peace
Corps volunteers have almost finished writing a comprehensive
Kyrgyz-English grammar book and an English-to-Kyrgyz dictionary for
students studying English in rural areas. She also said that Peace
Corps is interested in working with the ministry to develop programs
that could be implemented by volunteers during the anticipated
winter school shutdowns. Volunteers have suggested working with
teachers on creating curricula and conducting short English language
camps. Boldjurova was very appreciative of all Peace Corps'
efforts. She directed her staff to work with Peace Corps to ensure
that they received all possible assistance from the Ministry.
Comment
--------------
6. (SBU) Boldjurova has been in her position nine months, a
relatively long tenure for a position that has had 11 ministers in
the past 10 years. While there have been difficulties with this
Ministry on a number of issues, it is encouraging to note that on
September 16, USAID received their first positive signals from the
BISHKEK 00000948 002.2 OF 002
Ministry on their memorandum of understanding. It is possible our
relations with this Ministry will be taking a turn for the better.
Gfoeller