Professors from University of Texas to visit schools in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Oct. 7, 2024. /Kabar/. Professors from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension University (USA) will visit schools in Kyrgyzstan from October 7 to 11, the humanitarian organization Mercy Corps reported.

The delegation will visit schools in the Chui and Osh regions to learn about the results of the implementation of the extracurricular program "Young Gardener", adapted by the University of Texas to the context of Kyrgyzstan, as well as to exchange experience and knowledge with students and teachers of the country's schools.

"This visit will be an important step in strengthening international cooperation in the field of education, gardening and healthy nutrition, and also contribute to the further development of the Young Gardener program for the benefit of the future generation of Kyrgyzstan," the report said.

At the end of their mission, the professors will meet with representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan, the Republican Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Pedagogical Workers, and the Academy of Sciences on October 11.

At the meeting, the delegation will present the results of the Young Gardener program and officially hand over the Young Gardener curriculum and the Moodle educational platform.

The Young Gardener program was created to teach students the basics of nutrition, gardening, and growing fruits and vegetables. The program has already been successfully piloted in more than 30 schools across the country: about 1,600 students in grades 3-4 received a unique opportunity to participate in summer gardening camps, where they acquired practical skills and knowledge.

The implementation of the extracurricular program Young Gardener was made possible by the Mercy Corps Food for Education and Child Nutrition project, implemented by Mercy Corps and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.