Education
More than 18 thousand first-graders will go to Ashgabat schools
31.08.2025More than 18,000 first-graders will start their first school year in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. In Turkmenistan, first-graders are traditionally presented with laptops on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The authorities emphasise their focus on developing the education system and supporting young people. On 1 September, schoolchildren in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries will start classes, while in Japan, the school year begins in spring, and in Australia, in January. The history of education is full of interesting facts: in Russia, children used to write on birch bark, in Bangladesh there are still ‘boat schools,’ and in some countries, instead of bells, melodies or birdsong are used to signal the start of lessons.
Climate change topics have been added to Turkmenistan's preschool education programme
31.08.2025On 30 August, a new programme and methodological guide for pre-school institutions dedicated to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction was presented in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The initiative was implemented by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan in collaboration with UNICEF. The materials will help educators introduce children to the basics of environmental literacy and sustainable development through play-based methods. The programme includes topics such as respect for nature, adaptation to climate change, and basic knowledge about renewable energy sources. Thirty-six specialists from the Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Education, universities, teacher training colleges and kindergartens across the country took part in the presentation. According to Alexander Nartea, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, the programme reflects the country's desire to build a climate-resilient society, starting from an early age. The project continues initiatives to integrate climate issues into the primary and secondary education system with the support of UNICEF.
An event was held in Turkmenistan in honour of the director of the French Institute
30.08.2025A ceremony was held in the capital of Turkmenistan to mark the end of Romain Gouvernet's diplomatic mission as director of the French Institute. The event was attended by representatives of the French Embassy, partners of the organisation and cultural figures. This was reported by IIC. In his speech, Philippe Merlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Turkmenistan, highlighted the strengthening of cultural and educational cooperation achieved under Gouvernet's leadership. The French diplomat stressed that Romain Gouvernet headed the institute during the difficult period of the pandemic, managing not only to adapt the organisation's activities to the new conditions, but also to take it to a qualitatively new level. During Gouvernet's tenure, the institute moved to a modern complex with multifunctional classrooms, a cinema and the ‘Nadar’ gallery. The institute's educational programmes reached 22,000 students, and the technical equipment allowed for the introduction of innovative teaching methods. Significant achievements included the popularisation of Francophonie Weeks at the national level and the implementation of DELF-DALF international certification programmes. Strategic educational initiatives laid the foundation for the signing of an intergovernmental Roadmap for cooperation for 2025-2026. During the ceremony, the new director of the institute, Vincent Lorenzini, was also introduced. He will take up his post on 1 September.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan reviewed cooperation with UNESCO
30.08.2025On 28 August, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Tao Zhang, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. UNESCO experts and representatives of relevant departments of the ministry also participated in the talks. The prospects for the digitalisation of education, the introduction of innovative technologies, the improvement of teachers' qualifications and the modernisation of the system in the context of the UN SDGs were discussed. UNESCO offered cooperation in the development of educational infrastructure, training of teachers with AI skills, the use of technologies for knowledge assessment, the promotion of the concept of continuous learning and the introduction of intelligent bots in universities. The parties also touched upon issues of youth education, the formation of a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren, and the strengthening of interaction between parents and children. Following the meeting, the intention to continue joint projects to create a modern digital educational environment and improve the quality of education in Turkmenistan was confirmed.
A joint book by scientists from Turkmenistan and India has been published
30.08.2025The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the ‘India-Central Asia’ Foundation, has published a book entitled ‘India-Turkmenistan: Perspectives on History, Culture and Economy’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen university. The publication was prepared by Turkmen and Indian researchers and includes articles by the institute's teachers. The book highlights the historical, cultural and economic aspects of bilateral cooperation and analyses current trends and prospects for interaction. Special attention is paid to the centuries-old ties between Turkmenistan and India, the development of trade and humanitarian contacts. Examples include architectural monuments in Merv, Delhi and Kunya-Urgench, which reflect common cultural traditions.
The TESOL 2025 international conference was held in Turkmenistan
28.08.2025An international conference entitled ‘TESOL 2025: Technology, Teaching and Transformation’ was held in Turkmenistan on the eve of the new academic year, according to the online publication Arzuw.news. The event was attended by Turkmen and American experts, as well as English teachers from different regions of the country. The main topic was the prospects for the development of English language teaching and the creation of new opportunities for students and the teaching community. Participants exchanged experiences and discussed modern teaching methods. The conference was aimed at improving the quality of English language teaching in Turkmenistan.
Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan announces admission to Persian language courses
28.08.2025The Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced enrolment for free Persian language and literature courses for autumn 2025. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Classes will start on 23–24 September. The programme is designed for different levels of proficiency and includes both conversational practice and an introduction to literature. Registration is open from 1 to 13 September. The courses will be taught by experienced teachers, creating conditions for in-depth study of the language and culture of Iran.
The Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan held a ceremony for the 2025 scholarship recipients
28.08.2025The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan held a ceremony to present admission notices to students who received Chinese government scholarships for 2025. Future students of prestigious universities passed a competitive selection process and received the opportunity to continue their education abroad, according to IIC. Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin delivered a welcoming speech, emphasising the importance of education for the development of friendship between countries and expressing hope that the scholarship recipients would become a ‘bridge’ between the peoples. The Chinese government's scholarship programme is in high demand: it opens up opportunities for quality education, familiarisation with the country's culture and gaining international experience. The event confirmed the growing interest of Turkmen youth in studying in China and became an example of successful bilateral cooperation in the field of science and education.
UNDP invites young people in Turkmenistan to participate in the Future Skills Academy
28.08.2025UNDP in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the UNDP Knowledge Project, is launching the second phase of the Future Skills Academy initiative, aimed at developing in-demand skills and improving employment opportunities for young people through online courses. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Citizens of Turkmenistan and stateless persons with permanent residence in the country and a valid residence permit are eligible to participate. The programme covers universal, entrepreneurial and technical skills, including topics such as communication, business planning, digital literacy and programming. Training takes place online on the Coursera platform with the support of mentors. The initiative is being implemented as part of a regional project to prevent violent extremism in Central Asia, funded by the Japanese government and supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan.
Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan announces admission to Persian language courses
28.08.2025The Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced enrolment for free Persian language and literature courses for autumn 2025. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Classes will start on 23–24 September. The programme is designed for different levels of proficiency and includes both conversational practice and an introduction to literature. Registration is open from 1 to 13 September. The courses will be taught by experienced teachers, creating conditions for in-depth study of the language and culture of Iran.
Turkmenistan and China discussed the launch of the ‘Lu Ban Workshop’
25.08.2025On 22 August, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University, and Xi'an Shiyou University held a video conference on the ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ project in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed the purchase and delivery of equipment, the work plan for the second half of 2025, and agreed to complete the laboratory by September and open the centre by the end of the year. The rector of the Turkmen university, Bayrammyrat Atamanov, thanked the Chinese partners, and representatives of Chinese universities reported on the purchase and preparation of the first batch of equipment. Experts discussed the reconstruction of geological exploration and information technology laboratories, as well as plans to create a joint ‘One Belt One Road’ laboratory. CNPC will also participate in the project, strengthening the link between education and industry. ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ is an international educational project of China aimed at training skilled personnel and transferring technology. The centre in Turkmenistan will be an important step towards modernising education and introducing advanced technologies.
Student from Turkmenistan to attend ‘Summer with Pushkin’ language camp in Moscow
25.08.2025Turkmenistan has joined the list of countries whose representatives will take part in the international youth language camp ‘Summer with Pushkin’. The programme, organised by the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute and the ‘Russkiy Mir’ Foundation, will take place in Moscow from 24 August to 6 September 2025. This was reported by the IIC. Out of 435 applicants from 35 countries, the organisers selected only 20 of the most talented and motivated students who demonstrated a deep interest in the Russian language and culture. As emphasised by the institute's rector, Nikita Gusev, the project aims to support gifted foreign students and help them not only improve their language skills but also learn about the history and culture of modern Russia. Over the course of two weeks, participants will enjoy intensive practical Russian language classes, a rich cultural programme with excursions to historical and literary sites in Moscow, and cultural and educational events.
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