The University of Central Asia (UCA) was recognised as an outstanding example of best practice in the Corporate/Private category by the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Foundation. Gulnara Djunushalieva, Director of UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) received the award at the ECDL Foundation Forum 2014 on 23 May 2014 in Bucharest, Romania. The ECDL Foundation is the certifying authority for the world’s leading international computer skills certification programme, ECDL and (outside of Europe) the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). Offered in 150 countries, ICDL is promoted within Central Asia by ICDL Asia.

UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) is the Accreditation Partner of ICDL in Central Asia. Since 2010, SPCE has reached 1,800 learners through ICDL, producing 850 certified graduates in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The ECDL Best Practice Awards recognise exceptional examples of the implementation of ECDL Foundation programmes that help to raise levels of digital literacy and promote ECDL/ICDL in local markets. The Corporate/Private category highlights innovative initiatives that lead to noticeable improvements in digital literacy levels among private sector workers. In the Kyrgyz Republic, SPCE has delivered ICDL at twelve test centres and has worked with the government to train teachers, introduce ICDL into secondary schools and produce Kyrgyz-language learning resources. SPCE has delivered ICDL at three test centres in Kazakhstan and trained information technology instructors at Taldykorgan Polytechnic College.

Since 2011, SPCE has delivered the ICDL programme at its two Learning Centres in Tajikistan, and has produced seven Tajik-language ICDL programme modules in its Cross-Border Vocational Education in Badakhshan project. SPCE has established five ICDL testing centres in Badakhshan, Afghanistan..

“UCA’s partnership with ICDL reflects our commitment to providing Central Asians with top quality, internationally recognised qualifications and to responding to the needs of the Central Asian market,” said Gulnara Djunushalieva, Director of SPCE, who received the award in Bucharest, “We are delighted to be recognised by ECDL for our work in Central Asia and Afghanistan, and to continuing our partnership.”