Khorugh, Tajikistan, August 30, 2014 – The USAID-funded Cross-Border Vocational Education Project, the University of Central Asia’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) honored graduates at a graduation ceremony in Khorugh. Shodikhon Jamshed, Governor of Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast, His Excellency Abdulagafur Arezou, Afghan Ambassador to Tajikistan, and respected representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network participated in the ceremony.

The U.S Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs through USAID’s Cross-Border Vocational Education in Badakhshan, Afghanistan funded the studies of 60 of the 200 graduates. The scholarships enabled 48 Afghan and 12 Tajik students to build their professional qualifications and employability through certification in English, Information Technology, Accounting, or Bookkeeping. 

This educational program not only opens doors for learning opportunities today, but provides opportunities for cultural exchange; cross-border professional networking; and friendships that can last a lifetime. These relationships help to promote socio-economic development, stability and peace in the region.