Aga Khan School, Osh strengthens collaboration with Republic of Kazakhstan schools
On 4 January 2025, the Aga Khan School (AKS), Osh and two government schools of Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), solidifying a successful partnership initiated in 2023.
The MoC marks AKS, Osh’s first international collaboration with another school, opening doors for students and educators to engage in more dynamic, inclusive and globally aware learning experiences. It outlines several key areas of cooperation, including teacher exchanges; integration of digital learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Google Meet for online activities; joint
STEAM Festivals, which AKS, Osh conducts on an annual basis; environmental initiatives; debate clubs; and historical and national projects. These activities aim to enhance both schools’ language proficiency, communication skills, creativity and intercultural understanding among the students and staff.
“The first joint Brain Ring competition held online in November 2023 between our school and Almaty City schools #69 and #95 proved that this partnership is not only feasible across borders, but also deeply engaging and inspiring for students and educators alike,” said Natalya Deryabkina, School Director of AKS, Osh. “It showed us how intellectual exchange, even in a virtual format, can break down barriers, spark curiosity and build lasting academic bridges between our schools.”
Earlier this year, at the International Scientific and Educational Conference of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) held in Tajikistan, Elena Dyakina – a teacher from Almaty City School #65, one of the partner schools – presented a summary of the joint initiatives with AKS, Osh. Speaking to delegates from Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, she described the collaboration as a transformative experience.
“This [MoC] is a great learning experience for both students and staff,” she shared. “It increases the student’s cognitive interest, boosts productivity of learning and ensures the work of the whole group. It allows students to discover and develop their unique abilities.”
The partnership also aligns with the schools’ efforts to equip the students with the skills and knowledge to increase their competitiveness in the global labour market.
“The modern labour market requires from graduates not only extensive knowledge of a certain field, but also the capability to operate within an international context,” Elena said. “Collaborative initiatives among educational institutions across several CIS countries enable graduates to cultivate these competencies. Consequently, the sharing of experiences and the implementation of innovative instructional technology enhance the quality of student training.”
This growing collaboration is a step forward in strengthening educational ties across the region and nurturing the next generation of global citizens.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Students presenting their project at AKS, Osh’s STEAM Festival in April 2025.
- Elena Dyakina (first from right), a teacher from Almaty City School #65, attending the conference in Tajikistan.
- Students during the “Brain Ring” competition of 12 partnering schools in a hybrid format at AKS, Osh.
- Students of AKS, Osh and the Republic of Kazakhstan partner schools’ engaged in discussions at the STEAM Festival.
