Kyrgyzstan’s Skills Caravan Rolls Out to Unlock New Job Opportunities for Rural Youth

From September 30 to October 31, Kyrgyzstan will host the Skills Caravan, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting vocational professions and raising awareness about training and employment opportunities among rural communities.

The project is jointly supported by the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration and the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, The Caspian Post informs via Kyrgyz media.

Recent statistics from the National Statistical Committee reveal that youth unemployment in Kyrgyzstan stands at 11 per cent, while over 70 per cent of the rural population remains engaged in the informal sector. The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that more than half of today’s professions will demand new skills within the next five years, highlighting the critical need for expanded vocational training.

The Skills Caravan will offer a range of express workshops in practical trades such as cooking, sewing, welding, table service, mobile photography, and 3D printing. Participants will also have opportunities to meet directly with employers, training centers, and representatives from employment services. Alongside the educational activities, the caravan will feature a vibrant cultural program showcasing local artisans and performers.

The initiative will kick off in the village of Bayetovo, Ak-Talaa district, Naryn region, on September 30 and conclude on October 31 in the village of Temir, Issyk-Kul region. Over the course of the month, the caravan will travel to 12 settlements across six regions of Kyrgyzstan.

Organizers expect thousands of residents to take part in the Skills Caravan, many of whom will gain new skills and improve their chances of employment in a rapidly changing labor market.