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Project

Strengthening mathematics, science and economic policy capacity in Afghanistan and Central Asia
 

Afghanistan
Project ID
108456
Total Funding
CAD 1,500,000.00
IDRC Officer
Ann Weston
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
36 months

Programs and partnerships

Foundations for Innovation

Lead institution(s)

Summary

Afghanistan and Central Asia face serious climate and economic challenges.Read more

Afghanistan and Central Asia face serious climate and economic challenges. This project, led by the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada (AKFC) and the University of Central Asia, will help the region to respond to these challenges by strengthening individual and organizational skills in mathematics, environmental science, and economic policy-making in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It will train teachers in Afghanistan in effective mathematics and gender-responsive teaching methods; enhance scientific teaching and climate change research in Afghan and Tajik universities with a special focus on advancing women scientists; and build the capacity of officials and civil society organizations in all three countries to use research in the analysis of economic policy issues.

Altogether some 300 people (200 women) will receive in-depth training, with a further 1,300 being involved in workshops. The new pedagogies are expected to contribute to improved educational outcomes for over 50,000 Afghan students (40% are girls). The project builds on a previous initiative co-funded by IDRC and AKFC in which the University of Central Asia trained local government and federal civil servants in the same countries in evidence-based policymaking, and supported research by graduate students on climate change and natural resource management through that university’s Mountain Societies Research Institute.

This project will be co-funded by AKFC and IDRC. IDRC is funding the Afghan component, which will involve a number of collaborating institutions from the region, Canada, and Europe.

Research outputs

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Evaluation
Language:

English

Summary

The report is a final evaluation of the three-year “Pathways to Innovation” (P2I) program, of the University of Central Asia (UCA). The aim is to strengthen Mathematics, Science and Economic Policy Capacity in Afghanistan and Central Asia. The paper provides a detailed account of the programme background, methodology, outputs, outcomes, and dissemination of research produced by the programme. The multi-pronged program worked to enhance the knowledge and analytical skills of individuals (especially women), institutions and organizations, in mathematics, science, and economic policy. The UCA exceptional leadership and staff base worked hard to deliver their Pathways commitments.

Author(s)
Pellegrini, Matteo
Report
Language:

English

Summary

The University of Central Asia (UCA) three-year program, Pathways to Innovation (P2I) focused on innovative and hands-on research and training to strengthen individual and organizational skills in mathematics, environmental science and economic policy capacities in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This technical report highlights the interventions undertaken by UCA throughout the implementation of the project between 2017 and 2020, including public lectures and conferences, curriculum development, published papers, gender mainstreaming, teacher training, graduate studies, and research projects.

Author(s)
Krawchenko, Bohdan
Paper
Language:

English

Summary

The journal reports on economic conditions in Afghanistan. This issue takes into consideration the impact of COVID-19 on the economy with predictive trends in the fiscal sector. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is part of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia (UCA), founded in 2000 as a secular and private university. This issue pre-dates the 2021 Taliban offensive and takeover of the country.

Author(s)
Biruni Institute
Paper
Language:

Russian

Summary
Author(s)
Jenish, Nazgul
Paper
Language:

English

Summary

Overall, the paper is focused on Afghan women, their employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for engagement in economic development. The paper argues that in the context of Afghanistan, women’s economic empowerment requires better policymaking, which can in turn improve the level of policy implementation in different parts of the country. In many Central Asian countries, especially in rural areas, women cannot fully participate in the economic development of their countries due to being marginalized in society. In 2016, the Afghan government approved the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework with the purpose of directing the country towards inclusive economic development.

Author(s)
Junussova, Madina
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