CHeber Excellence Awards 2026 Celebrates Outstanding Practices in Non-Formal Skills Training in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, 16 October 2026 – The CHeber Excellence Awards 2026, organized within the framework of the Swiss-funded project CHeber: Skills Development in Kyrgyzstan, brought together training providers, development partners, employers and education stakeholders to recognize outstanding practices in non-formal skills training across the country.

Held as part of Adult Education Week 2026 in Bishkek, the Awards Ceremony marked the culmination of a national competition aimed at identifying, recognizing and promoting effective approaches to skills development. The initiative also provided an opportunity for training providers to exchange experiences, showcase successful practices, and encourage continuous improvement and innovation within the sector.

Applications were reviewed by an independent Selection Committee against a set of common and nomination-specific criteria, including relevance, demonstrated results, quality and effectiveness, sustainability, inclusion, innovation, and responsiveness to labour market needs.

Awards were presented across six nominations:

• Mastery – excellence in training quality and professional skills development;
• NextGen – innovative approaches and new solutions in skills training;
• Together – inclusive approaches that expand access to skills development;
• Employer Partnership – effective cooperation between training providers and employers;
• Growth Navigator – career guidance and support for learners’ professional development;
• Eco Vector – integration of green skills and environmentally responsible approaches into training.

In addition to receiving recognition, winners in each nomination were awarded capacity-development support to strengthen and expand their training services. First-place winners received equipment, materials or other agreed items worth up to KGS 100,000, while second-place winners received support valued at up to KGS 50,000, based on their organizational development needs.

Beyond celebrating the winning practices, the event served as a platform for discussing lessons learned from the competition, highlighting the strengths of local training providers, identifying areas for further development, and exploring opportunities for collaboration across the skills development ecosystem.

The CHeber Excellence Awards are organized within the framework of CHeber: Skills Development in Kyrgyzstan, an initiative financed by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation. The project supports the development of an inclusive, labour market-oriented and sustainable non-formal vocational skills training system in Kyrgyzstan.