ASHGABAT, 19 October 2026 – The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, with support from UNICEF, convened a series of workshops and consultations in Mary and Ashgabat from 12 to 16 October to strengthen child-centered, play and inquiry-based approaches in preschool education and advance the preparation and professional development of preschool teachers.
The activities brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Education, velayat and etrap preschool education specialists, and preschool teachers to strengthen the early childhood development component of pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes.
In Mary, Mr. Cristian Fabbi, UNICEF international expert on Early Childhood Education together with the national team visited pilot kindergartens to monitor and gather feedback on ongoing work of using play-based and inquiry-based early learning approaches where partners also took part in practical sessions demonstrated by preschool teachers. The programme explored how an enabling learning environment, pedagogical documentation and classroom observation can help preschool educators respond to the individual needs, interests and development of every child. The visit also included a workshop for about 35 preschool teachers and specialists on child-centred, play-based and inquiry-based early childhood education, emphasizing relationships, collaboration, curiosity, emotional development, creativity, and the teacher’s role in creating rich learning environments that enable children to explore, discover, and learn independently.
The two-day workshop in Ashgabat focused on reviewing and validating two newly developed methodological manuals and a practical toolkit for pre- and in-service preschool teaching programmes. Participants discussed how the manuals on psychology and pedagogy and a practical toolkit can be integrated into programmes for future and professional development programmes of current preschool educators. The sessions were facilitated by Cristian Fabbi, UNICEF international expert on preschool education.
“Quality preschool education begins with educators who are equipped to understand how young children learn and develop. By promoting child-centred, play-based approaches and strengthening professional development, we are supporting teachers to create inclusive and engaging learning environments where every child can thrive,” said Zhanar Sagimbayeva, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Turkmenistan.
The finalized training and methodological resources will support the Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the preschool teacher education and professional development initiatives and promote child-centered, inclusive and play-based learning, helping young children across Turkmenistan build a strong foundation for learning and development. ///nCa, 20 October 2026 (in cooperation with UNICEF Turkmenistan)