Between October 2006 to May 2008, Legacy and its partners and participants implemented a dynamic process to introduce civic education at the university level in three countries. Two way immersion exchanges included 12 Central Asians’ study tour in the US; follow on presentations and mini-grants upon their return;  and interactive civic education presentations by six US presenters at four universities in Central Asia.

Some mini-grant highlights include:

• 100 schools in Tajikistan are currently implementing a Civic education curricula presented by one of Legacy’s participants

• Two universities engage in Civic Education coursework in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • International University of Kyrgyzstan (IUK) and Kyrgyz State University (KSU) involved at least 1000 students in the 2008-2009 school year in civic education training.
  •  Five university professors embedded civic education interactive methodologies into their current coursework or created pilot courses for the 2008/2009 school year. 
  •  A series of debates were held on “Corruption at the University level”.
  •  A cross cultural series of events, “Week of Nations’ Friendship”  stressed tolerance among all nations.
• Rural women from the Rumi district of Tajikistan start their own volunteer organization to serve the poor and sick in their community after their civic education motivational seminars. 

• A three level approach to introduce Civic Education in Taraz, Kazakhstan is undertaken.  Training is given to the local akhimat, professors at Taraz State University and NGO leaders.  A CD of key information is prepared and is also utilized for US presentations in Central Asia.

• During a series of Train the Trainer seminars, Executive Director, Dodarbek Saydaliev of Sharhvand NGO developed a civic education curriculum for Kulyab Schools.

Please see photos of mini-grants” and “presentations in Central Asia

US educators present to large university audiences:

•  In April 2008, 57 presentations were conducted by six US presenters to a total of 1710 Central Asian students and teachers on the subjects of civic education and engagement. 
•  Universities holding presentations included Kazakh National Pedagogical University, (Almaty, KZ),   International University of Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz State University (Bishkek, KG) Tajik State Pedagogical University (Dushanbe, TJ), and Kulyab State University (Kulyab, TJ).

• Civic Education and engagement topics included creating a Community of Learners, Collaborative Action Teams, People with Disabilities, Mass Media, Political Participation, Women as Social Change Agents, and Planning for Successful Projects.

Many projects are expanded and continue:

• Dr. Askarbek Bekboev, Rector of Kyrgyz State University, establishes a Civic Education Center at his university. This Center is part of the Department of International Education and is open five days a week from 9:00 to 18:00.  It is staffed by a Director and two coordinators and is equipped with furniture, computer, overhead projector, color printer, a round table designed for small meetings, whiteboard, TV set and DVD player.  Also provided are halls for meetings and projects. Dr. Bekboev has stated “Civic Education is the most important subject for our democratic future”.  More information is available at: www.geocities.com/kyrgyzeducation

• Farkhod Ulugov, Program Coordinator of Youth 21, implemented one of the three civic education curricula he was introduced to in the US.  Because of his continued efforts, this curriculum has been adopted by UNICEF, supported by the Tajik Ministry of Education, and is currently conducted in 100 schools in Tajikistan for the 2008-2009 school year (50 in Dushanbe and 50 in Sughd region). One action plan is expected from each school. Next year, the plan is for 400 schools to adopt this curriculum.