OSCE Centre launches project on youth empowerment in southern Kyrgyzstan

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 18 October 2005 - Establishing new and effective mechanisms for a mutually-beneficial relationship between institutions of higher education, the labour market, and potential young employees is the aim of a pilot project launched today by the the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The project will be implemented together with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education and Youth, local universities and the Public Foundation Career and Employment Centre.

The initiative will help strengten links between institutions of higher education and the business sector in the southern provinces of Osh, Jalalabat, and Batken by facilitating the preparation of qualified specialists, sought by the modern labour market, and then providing assistance with job placement in the south of Kyrgyzstan.

"Opportunities in the provinces remain few for young people, who are rarely engaged in economic activities", said Jerome Bouyjou, Head of the OSCE Osh Field Office. "Therefore, we are trying to focus on job creation and youth empowerment within our economic dimension activities."

Finding jobs for skilled university graduates is a priority issue for Kyrgyzstan.

"This project will help identify professional requirements for graduates of higher educational institutions according to sector characteristics," said Mrs. Ainura Adieva, Director of Career and Employment Centre.