DUSHANBE, May 17, Asia-Plus  -- The time has come to make shift from the qualitative to quantitative approach in education, Deputy Prime Minister, Ms. Ruqiya Qurbonova, remake data donor conference in Dushanbe on May 16. 

 The donor conference formally entitled “Education as Instrument of Development: Prospects for Tajikistan” was held to consider issues related to coordination and mobilization of different resources for establishing a national center for testing university/college entrants as an instrument to raise quality of education.  

Ms. Qurbonova noted that obtaining necessary knowledge and skills depends on access to high-quality education, which is one of key factors contributing to development of the country’s economy and strengthening of political and economic role of Tajikistan.  According to her, education reforms are one of priorities of the government’s domestic policy.  

The deputy PM said that the national testing system concept, worked out by the government, is aimed at crating the single education system that would meet international standards and provide equal access to high-quality higher education.  

All this requires considerable financial expenses, Ms Qurbonova said, calling on donor organizations and partners to support president’s initiative on establishing the national testing center.  

The conference was staged by the Ministry of Education (MoE), UNDP CO in Tajikistan and the Tajik Branch of Open Society Institute/Assistance Foundation (OSI/AF).