Erasmus+ HECAFS Project

Project Description:

The project aims to improve the quality of higher education in four universities in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to support the development of national food production and processing systems in compliance with international standards. This initiative was launched by Kyrgyz and Tajik food production companies and focuses on addressing the current needs for training specialists in food safety and quality.

General Project Goal:

To support the modernization of higher education for implementing international systems and standards in food production and processing in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, enhancing the export potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry.

Project Objectives:

1. Modernizing higher education in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to implement international food production and processing standards.
2. Improving the alignment of academic programs with the requirements of food production and processing companies.
3. Strengthening the capacity and quality of universities.
4. Enhancing cooperation between academic institutions and production enterprises.

Work Packages (WP):

• WP1: Assessment of the economic and educational environment, identification of training modules and programs.
• WP2: Development of training modules, teaching, and learning tools.
• WP3: Quality assurance and sustainability measures.
• WP4: Professional development of faculty and capacity building for universities in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
• WP5: Pilot training.
• WP6: Public outreach and dissemination of project information.
• WP7: Project management and coordination.

Key Outcomes and Results:

1. Three training modules developed and nine academic programs modernized.
2. Seven innovative teaching and learning tools created and integrated into the academic process.
3. Professional capacity of 20 faculty members strengthened.
4. 135 students trained within the project framework.
5. Technical capacity of participating universities improved: 56 laboratory devices and 360 educational books purchased.
6. Six events organized with participation from SMEs and national authorities, engaging 210 stakeholders.
7. Enhanced cooperation with Central Asian and EU partners.

Project Partners from Kyrgyzstan:

• Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers
• Kyrgyz Economic University
• Kyrgyz State Technical University

International Partners:

• Austrian International Organization (Austria)
• Khujand Polytechnic Institute (Tajikistan)
• University of Medical and Health Sciences (Lithuania)
• National Association of SMEs of Tajikistan (Tajikistan)
• Tajik Agrarian University (Tajikistan)
• Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland)

Official Project Website: https://www.hilfswerk.tj/en/hecafs-en/