On June 29, 2024, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) proudly celebrated the graduation of 152 Afghan refugees from English language courses and TVET courses, at the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) of the University of Central Asia (UCA) in Dushanbe in Serena Hotel.
![A group photo of graduates and officials at the graduation of UCA SPCE students. A group photo of graduates and officials at the graduation of UCA SPCE students.](https://www.akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/CTX_3754.jpg)
This initiative was launched in October 2022 under the Local Impact project financed by USAID and AKF. Its aim is to enhance the economic and social integration of Afghan refugees in Tajikistan, particularly focusing on youth and women, by providing them soft skills.
To date, a total of 854 Afghan refugees and members of the host community have graduated from programs including English language, computer courses with SPCE, and vocational trainings such as electrician and plumbing, tiling, mobile phone repairs, cookery and confectionery with Adult Education Training Center.
![A crowd claps at a graduation. A crowd claps at a graduation.](https://www.akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/CTX_2856.jpg)
The graduation ceremony was attended by key figures including Qozidavlat Qoimdodov, the Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Tajikistan, Dilovar Butabekov, Director of SPCE, Najmiddin Gulomiddinov, General Manager of the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP) at the Aga Khan Foundation and Umed Murodzoda, Associate Director of the Adult Education Training Centre.
Overall, the graduation ceremony was a celebration of hard work and dedication, marking the beginning of new opportunities for all the graduates.
The support provided by USAID and AKF has facilitated the smooth integration of Afghan refugees into Tajikistan, improving their acquired skills and enabling them to effectively participate in the Tajik labor market.