Students from Kyrgyzstan complete OSCE-supported internship programme at the national parliament

BISHKEK, 15 October 2015 – Twenty students today graduated from an OSCE-supported four-month internship programme at the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, which was organized to familiarize young political leaders with the work of the national legislature and enhance their  knowledge about parliament’s work at different levels.

The students were selected from more than 350 female and male applicants from Bishkek, Naryn, Talas, Jalal-Abad and Batken.

“This internship programme offers a unique opportunity for the young generation of Kyrgyzstan to see the daily professional work of the Parliament,” said Diana Digol, Institution Building Officer at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “The OSCE will continue to support Kyrgyzstan in fulfilling its political commitments aimed at building democratic institutions.”

Aigerim Nagoibaeva, a student of the Kyrgyz National University, said: “The internship gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with representatives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly as well as with the leaders of the political party factions of the Parliament and I am grateful for the experience.”

During the graduation ceremony, students presented the results of three innovative social projects developed and implemented during their internship programme. The graduation ceremony was also attended by the interns’ mentors, supervisors and parents.

The student internship program is being implemented by The American Councils for International Education (ACTR/ACCELS), and is supported by the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.