EU-Funded Uzbek Program Trains More Than 700 Afghans

DID Press: Uzbekistan has completed a four-year, €2 million European Union-funded program that provided higher education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support to more than 700 Afghan citizens.

The project, titled “Strengthening Surkhandarya Region Capacity for Educational and Vocational Training of Afghan Citizens,” was implemented in Termez through cooperation between the United Nations Development Programme and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

Under the initiative, 136 Afghan students received scholarships for undergraduate studies in fields including information technology, tourism, and agriculture. More than 600 others completed free technical and vocational training programs.

To promote economic self-reliance, graduates also received entrepreneurship support. Thirty participants were awarded grants of $2,000 each to launch businesses, while another 39 beneficiaries received up to $4,000 to expand existing commercial activities.

Project organizers said several of these businesses are already contributing to job creation and local economic development.

The program also upgraded the Termez Educational Center through the establishment of a digital platform, an IT center, and an EU Knowledge Center. New facilities included computers, servers, multimedia equipment, a conference hall, co-working spaces, and a 29-seat bus.

At the closing ceremony, Toivo Klaar said the initiative reflected the European Union’s commitment to investing in people and promoting regional prosperity.

Meanwhile, Akiko Fujii noted that the project created educational, vocational, and entrepreneurial opportunities for Afghan women and contributed to improving livelihoods.

Launched in 2022, the program forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to support Afghanistan through education, skills development, and regional cooperation.