On January 20 the Rector of KNU, Professor Dogdurbek Chontoev received representatives of the British Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) “Volunteering for Development”, headed by the regional manager for programs and policy in Central Asia Aida Akmatalieva. In his welcoming speech, Dogdurbek Chontoev noted that the study of foreign languages plays a special role in the educational process of KNU. Thus, 768 students study English as a main language at the Institute of Foreign Languages, as well as 316 students study it as a second foreign language. In addition, all students at the university (more than 30 thousand) study English. “We are considering with great interest the possibility of cooperation with the British Embassy and VSO, — he continued. — We highly appreciate the work carried out by the UK Foreign and Development Office (FCDO) in the field of education, as well as the initiatives implemented by the British Council, UNICEF and the Aga Khan Foundation. We are confident that the involvement of expert volunteers from VSO, professional English teachers, will contribute to improving the quality of teaching and creating new opportunities for our students.” In conclusion of his speech, Dogdurbek Chontoev said: “We are ready to discuss possible areas of cooperation, as well as offer a platform for the implementation of joint educational projects aimed at improving the qualifications of our teachers, improving English teaching methods and expanding academic opportunities for students. Thank you for your visit and I express my hope for fruitful cooperation.”
Representative of the British Voluntary Service Abroad Ms. Joyce Laker expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, spoke about the areas of VSO activity and the goals of the volunteer movement.
The parties also discussed various aspects of cooperation between KNU and VSO, and the KNU leaders answered special questions from VSO representatives. The meeting was also attended by: representatives of the VSO Mr. Purna Shrestha, Ms. Caroline Morris, First Vice-Rector and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of KNU Alaibek Shamshiev, Vice-Rector for Science Mirlan Dyldaev, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages Kenjebay Umetov and Head of the English Language Section Darazhan Osmonova.
