The incorporating information and communication technology

The Europe and Eurasia Bureau supports limited number of activities in basic education.  These programs are concentrated in 5 countries – in Macedonia and in the countries of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and account for 2% of the Agency’s basic education resources. With the exception of Tajikistan, the projects target both primary and secondary levels. Unlike many of the other geographic regions, the countries in the E&E region have attained almost universal primary enrollment rates and, for the most part, have been able to maintain them despite the dramatic declines in economic growth that followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union and collapse of the communist bloc. 

The primary challenge facing most of the countries in the region is to stem the declining rate of attendance and drop out at the upper secondary level, and particularly in technical and vocational schools. The Central Asian region has the most comprehensive basic education program that focuses on improving in-service teacher training, curriculum development that emphasizes child-centered approaches, increased parent and community involvement in schools, strengthening institutional management and technical capacities at the national, regional/local, and schools administrative levels, and on improving school infrastructure. In addition to the components mentioned above, the Macedonia programs address specific learning needs of minorities (Roma); vocational education that tries to strengthen the linkages between instruction and the business community; and incorporating information and communication technology into classroom activities.  In addition, basic education activities, such as civic education and Junior Achievement, are also supported by sectors of Democratic Governance and Economic Growth.  During the past few years, two cross-cutting themes have emerged as part of activities in the education sector – youth and corruption in education.  Several missions are considering and adopting a cross-cutting approach to youth throughout the SOs.

Issues of corruption in education are addressed through increased participation of parents and communities in school activities.  An innovative approach at addressing issues of corruption as well as access and equity for secondary school leavers is development of an independent national testing organization that promotes transparency in university admissions.