The State Commission for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, in partnership with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, conduct training for teachers of general education institutions on teaching the course “History of Religious Culture”, as part of the “Action Plan for the Implementation of the Concept Paper on State Policy in the Sphere of Religion of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2015-2020”, on 5-6 August 2019 in Osh city and a similar training course is planned on 8-9 August in Bishkek.

This subject has been introduced in 56 schools in the country as a pilot project and upon completion of testing it is planned to introduce it into the general educational curriculum.

The main purpose and content of the course is to obtain scientific knowledge about the history of religious culture, history and theory of religions, principles of a secular state, freedom of conscience and religion. It is also important for students to develop analytical and critical thinking, understanding of religious and social issues, skills for conflict-free existence in a secular multi-confessional society, to form civic identity and legal culture.