DUSHANBE, November 14, Asia-Plus -- Seven Internet Technology (IT) instructors at the University of Central Asia (UCA) became among the first in Central Asia to complete the Microsoft international certification training for trainers. Two instructors from Tekeli (Kazakhstan), three from Naryn (Kyrgyzstan), and two from Khorog (Tajikistan) took part in the training, press release issued by School of Professional and Continuing Education, UCA.  The instructors acquired knowledge in training strategy, education methodology, particulars of adult learning, and other valuable skills. 

After confirmation of their credentials by the Microsoft Corporation, the instructors will be able to teach Microsoft authorized training courses. The Microsoft Trainer Certificate is issued for one year and is extended if the holder of the Certificate trains at least 50 students per year.

Kyrgyzstan''s first Microsoft IT Academy was established by the University of Central Asia in Naryn in June 2007. It is authorized to deliver Microsoft Office Specialist courses in cooperation with Softline International, an authorized representative of the Microsoft Corporation for academic partnership programs in Kyrgyzstan.  The Academy offers a range of courses for IT professionals in a number of applications, including the Microsoft Office suite of applications.    

The goal of this program is to develop highly qualified and internationally recognized local information technology experts in Central Asia to provide access to world-class education, foster economic development, and promote integration of the region into the global information community. 

The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan. The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. Established in 2006, the School of Professional and Continuing Education is the University’s first operational academic program. The School is Central Asia’s first provider of formal, university-based, non-degree educational programs. It emphasizes tertiary short-cycle education, which gives students intense training, usually in one year or less, that results in a widely accepted qualification to perform industry-specific tasks.  

His Highness the Aga Khan is Chancellor and Chairman the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) which is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.  The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.