Preschool education is one of the key factors in human capital development and social stability. However, in the Kyrgyz Republic, this sector faces significant challenges, including a shortage of kindergarten places, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient funding, particularly in remote areas. President Sadyr Japarov has also highlighted this issue, stating: "In 2025, the government will allocate financial resources to support preschool education for children living in mountainous and remote areas of our country, as well as for children with disabilities and those from low-income families."
Given this context, it has become essential to explore effective mechanisms for attracting private investments into the preschool education sector, including through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
On February 4, an online meeting was organized by the Secretariat of the Investment Council, focusing on developing PPP models for preschool and school education. The discussion brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, IFC in the Kyrgyz Republic, the PPP Center, and experts from the Secretariat.
During the meeting, participants discussed the possibility of IFC providing technical assistance in developing sustainable financial models for kindergartens and schools. The discussion also emphasized the need to attract private investments, expand the network of preschool institutions, and establish effective cooperation mechanisms between the public and private sectors.
As a result of the discussions, IFC confirmed that it will continue reviewing the possibility of providing technical support for the development of PPP models in preschool education, considering both international experience and Kyrgyzstan's specific needs. The Ministry of Education and Science outlined its key priorities, including the necessity of establishing new kindergartens based on sustainable financial mechanisms. Meanwhile, the Secretariat of the Investment Council has launched the process of further discussions involving all stakeholders and will continue coordinating efforts to develop optimal solutions.
This work is ongoing, and the Secretariat will keep stakeholders informed about further steps in advancing PPP initiatives for preschool education.
Expanding the kindergarten network through PPP could become a vital step in addressing existing challenges, ensuring quality education and equal access for all children in the country.