EU funding helps to modernise the Qoshkopir College of Water Resources and Melioration in Khorezm region

Representatives from the European Union and UNESCO, alongside local government officials, college faculty, students, and esteemed members of the Qoshkopir community, participated the inauguration ceremony. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the immersive tour of the college's newly upgraded rooms and facilities. Attendees had the invaluable opportunity to explore these enhancements firsthand, gaining insights into the transformative changes that have taken place. This interactive experience facilitated enriching interactions between visitors, teachers, and students, allowing them to engage in meaningful discussions about the improvements and upcoming activities. Additionally, teachers and students shared their personal experiences and professional perspectives with guests, highlighting their accomplishments within the framework of the project.

The Koshkopir College of Water Resources and Melioration was established in 1989 and is located in the Khorezm region. Within the project, it has seen significant improvements across its facilities, including the refurbishment of workshops, classrooms, and laboratories with new flooring, ceilings, paint, and upgraded lighting. The renovation extended to the college's infrastructure, including revamped water supply and sewage networks and electrical system rewiring. These improvements enable students to acquire essential irrigation skills, crucial for sustainable development and better livelihoods in rural Uzbekistan.

Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan remarked that

We are not just modernizing buildings here; we are giving young women and men the right skills to apply modern irrigation practices, saving water, improving water quality, and increasing crop production, to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Since 2020, UNESCO, with the financial support of the European Union, has been at the forefront of TVET (Technical and vocational education and training) strategy in Uzbekistan, focusing on governance and policy reform, modernizing qualifications, and increasing access to quality TVET to bolster the efforts of the Government of Uzbekistan in enhancing living standards in rural communities. The project, while focusing on improving employability for both men and women, especially the youth, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to meet the demands of a sustainable, diversified, and modernized agriculture and irrigation sector in Uzbekistan.