From August 19 to 20, a picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan hosted the first Kyrgyz-Russian Fair of Innovative Education Solutions. Held at the Dolphin boarding house in the village of Chok-Tal, this event brought together prominent representatives from the educational sectors of both countries. Attendees included Sirius Russian University, Prosveshcheniye publishing house, Ala-Too International University, and Batken State University. The fair served as a platform for exchanging ideas and a symbol of strengthened bilateral cooperation. Joining the event, the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) introduced innovative approaches to school education.
Symbolic opening
The event began with installing a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, symbolizing the cultural connection between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. As a representation of home, comfort, and traditional values, the yurt aptly reflected the event's central theme: preserving and nurturing national traditions while embracing innovative educational approaches.
Role of education in achieving technological leadership
A key focus of the fair was the role of education in driving technological leadership. Leading experts shared insights on how training highly qualified professionals can pave the way for breakthroughs in science and technology. Special attention was given to new training technologies and teaching methods that can be adapted in Kyrgyzstan.
During the discussions, SIFI highlighted the importance of integrating healthy lifestyle principles into educational programs, which, in turn, fosters the well-rounded development of the younger generation and equips them to tackle modern challenges.
SIFI's presentation
On the first day of the fair, SIFI presented its Healthy Lifestyle Basics teaching package for grades 1-4. Developed by the Institute's experts and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, this manual has already been successfully piloted in schools nationwide.
The presentation garnered significant interest among fair participants. For a better understanding, guests were shown lesson fragments from the pilot phase. These demonstrations highlighted how classes are conducted and the methods used to engage children in the learning process. The materials allowed participants to explore each component in detail, from teacher guides to student workbooks.
SIFI also presented statistical data demonstrating the effectiveness of incorporating the materials into the school curriculum. The pilot results revealed a marked improvement in children's knowledge of healthy lifestyles and their eagerness to apply it in their daily lives.
Interactive elements and feedback
The interactive exercises included in the presentation particularly attracted the guests’ attention. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the methods featured in the teaching kit, such as physical activity breaks, kitchen safety tasks, and the Know-All online quiz. These hands-on activities sparked lively discussions and allowed attendees to visually assess the effectiveness of SIFI’s methods.
Many participants, including teachers and representatives from educational institutions, noted that this approach to teaching helps maintain children's attention and makes the learning process more engaging and efficient.
At the end of the presentation, the most active participants received either the School Meals Recipe Book or Cooking Together recipe book for children and parents, developed by the UN WFP and SIFI as part of the school meals program in Kyrgyzstan. This was a pleasant surprise and an incentive for further collaboration. Other attendees received business cards with QR codes granting access to electronic versions of SIFI's materials and tamakash.edu.gov.kg portal.
Following the presentation, participants shared their impressions. A teacher from Osh emphasized that the manual not only imparts knowledge but also encourages children to apply it in practice: "It's evident that children are starting to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are motivated to change their habits."
A representative from the Aksuu district education department highlighted the value of interactive tasks and physical activity breaks: "This is especially important in today’s environment, where it's challenging for children to focus on a single activity," he added.
The head of a kindergarten in Balykchy expressed interest in adapting the package for preschool education, noting that: "These materials could benefit not only children but also parents."
Prospects and conclusion
The Healthy Lifestyle Basics teaching package received high praise from experts and participants, signaling significant potential for its broader adoption in Kyrgyz schools. SIFI remains committed to developing and refining educational programs to improve children's health and well-being. The successful cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan in the academic sector lays the foundation for future achievements, helping both countries advance in training highly qualified professionals. The fair provided an excellent platform for such initiatives, with SIFI's participation as a vivid example of how innovations can positively impact children's education and health. New projects and ambitious goals lie ahead to be realized through events like this and fruitful collaboration.
Symbolic opening
The event began with installing a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, symbolizing the cultural connection between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. As a representation of home, comfort, and traditional values, the yurt aptly reflected the event's central theme: preserving and nurturing national traditions while embracing innovative educational approaches.
Role of education in achieving technological leadership
A key focus of the fair was the role of education in driving technological leadership. Leading experts shared insights on how training highly qualified professionals can pave the way for breakthroughs in science and technology. Special attention was given to new training technologies and teaching methods that can be adapted in Kyrgyzstan.
During the discussions, SIFI highlighted the importance of integrating healthy lifestyle principles into educational programs, which, in turn, fosters the well-rounded development of the younger generation and equips them to tackle modern challenges.
SIFI's presentation
On the first day of the fair, SIFI presented its Healthy Lifestyle Basics teaching package for grades 1-4. Developed by the Institute's experts and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, this manual has already been successfully piloted in schools nationwide.
The presentation garnered significant interest among fair participants. For a better understanding, guests were shown lesson fragments from the pilot phase. These demonstrations highlighted how classes are conducted and the methods used to engage children in the learning process. The materials allowed participants to explore each component in detail, from teacher guides to student workbooks.
SIFI also presented statistical data demonstrating the effectiveness of incorporating the materials into the school curriculum. The pilot results revealed a marked improvement in children's knowledge of healthy lifestyles and their eagerness to apply it in their daily lives.
Interactive elements and feedback
The interactive exercises included in the presentation particularly attracted the guests’ attention. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the methods featured in the teaching kit, such as physical activity breaks, kitchen safety tasks, and the Know-All online quiz. These hands-on activities sparked lively discussions and allowed attendees to visually assess the effectiveness of SIFI’s methods.
Many participants, including teachers and representatives from educational institutions, noted that this approach to teaching helps maintain children's attention and makes the learning process more engaging and efficient.
At the end of the presentation, the most active participants received either the School Meals Recipe Book or Cooking Together recipe book for children and parents, developed by the UN WFP and SIFI as part of the school meals program in Kyrgyzstan. This was a pleasant surprise and an incentive for further collaboration. Other attendees received business cards with QR codes granting access to electronic versions of SIFI's materials and tamakash.edu.gov.kg portal.
Following the presentation, participants shared their impressions. A teacher from Osh emphasized that the manual not only imparts knowledge but also encourages children to apply it in practice: "It's evident that children are starting to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are motivated to change their habits."
A representative from the Aksuu district education department highlighted the value of interactive tasks and physical activity breaks: "This is especially important in today’s environment, where it's challenging for children to focus on a single activity," he added.
The head of a kindergarten in Balykchy expressed interest in adapting the package for preschool education, noting that: "These materials could benefit not only children but also parents."
Prospects and conclusion
The Healthy Lifestyle Basics teaching package received high praise from experts and participants, signaling significant potential for its broader adoption in Kyrgyz schools. SIFI remains committed to developing and refining educational programs to improve children's health and well-being. The successful cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan in the academic sector lays the foundation for future achievements, helping both countries advance in training highly qualified professionals. The fair provided an excellent platform for such initiatives, with SIFI's participation as a vivid example of how innovations can positively impact children's education and health. New projects and ambitious goals lie ahead to be realized through events like this and fruitful collaboration.