Study Visit to Germany: New Opportunities for Inclusive Education

From 18 to 24 October 2026, a study visit to Germany was organized within the framework of the project “INCLUSION: Dialogues on Inclusive Education and Employment.” The project aims to promote inclusive education, expand employment opportunities for adults, and support persons with disabilities. The main objective of the study visit was to learn from Germany’s experience and identify ways to adapt best practices to the context of Kyrgyzstan.

The study visit brought together 21 representatives from Kyrgyzstan. The delegation included two representatives from each region of the country, as well as representatives of government institutions, the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, and civil society. Rahat Borbieva, Specialist at the Department of International Relations and Rankings of Jalal-Abad State University, participated in the study visit on behalf of the university.

The delegation visited Munich and Cham, where participants explored the practices of government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and higher education institutions, including adult education centers, in the fields of inclusion, vocational education, retraining, and social support.

During the visit, the delegation visited the Bavarian Landtag, the legislative body of the Free State of Bavaria. One of the key events of the programme was a meeting with Tobias Reiss, First Vice-President of the Bavarian Landtag. The meeting focused on the development of inclusive education, ensuring equal access to education, and expanding educational opportunities for adults.

The delegation also visited and learned about the activities of Stiftung Pfennigparade, the Munich Adult Education Center (Volkshochschule), and the Cham Adult Education Center. Participants explored practical approaches to creating accessible educational and social environments, promoting the professional integration of persons with disabilities, and ensuring their participation in public and cultural life.

Particular attention was paid to the activities of LOB – Leben ohne Barrieren Cham e.V., a non-governmental organization working to eliminate physical and social barriers and promote equal opportunities for all people.

The delegation also met with young citizens of Kyrgyzstan who are receiving vocational education in the city of Cham. The meeting with six young compatriots from the Jalal-Abad, Osh, Batken, Issyk-Kul, and Naryn regions was particularly warm and meaningful. As a gesture of friendship and support, Rahat Borbieva, together with members of the delegation, presented them with traditional Kyrgyz treats brought from Kyrgyzstan, including boorsok and kattama, as well as national souvenirs representing Kyrgyz culture.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share a part of Kyrgyz national culture with young compatriots, maintain their connection with their homeland, and strengthen the sense of unity among Kyrgyz citizens living and studying abroad.

As part of the study visit, participants also explored how support systems for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups are organized in practice. In particular, they learned about the work of an inclusive theatre, accessible adult education opportunities, and approaches to providing targeted food assistance to people in need.

The study visit provided participants with new knowledge, ideas, and valuable practical experience. Germany’s experience demonstrated that there are practical solutions in the areas of inclusive education, social integration of persons with disabilities, and expanding employment opportunities that can be adapted and applied in Kyrgyzstan, taking into account the country’s specific context.

The experience gained during the visit will contribute to the development of international cooperation, the exchange of effective practices, and the further improvement of approaches to inclusive education and employment in Kyrgyzstan.

The event was organized within the framework of the “INCLUSION: Dialogues on Inclusive Education and Employment” project. In Kyrgyzstan, the project is implemented by DVV International with the support of the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in cooperation with the Association for the Development of Education in Kyrgyzstan (AROK) and with the active participation of the Kyrgyz Association for Adult Education (KAOV) and the “Zhangyryk” National Network.