The study visit of representatives of Tajikistan’s and Uzbekistan’s partner universities to Latvia was organised from June 28 to July 5, 2024. In addition to the five Central Asia universities staff, representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and Slovak University of Agriculture took part in the visit. The group was welcomed by the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), a lead partner of the project.

On June 28, the group met Irina Pilvere, the former LBTU rector till 30 June, and Irina Arhipova, who took over as rector on July 1. The presence of the two top level managers provides confidence in the continuation of the ongoing cooperation initiatives.

On 29 June the group visited the food processing enterprise ««Kelmeni». The owners presented the company’s activities in the direction of agricultural development, flour production and bakery, the capacity of equipment and field work accessories. They also shared information about the rye bread baking, where LBTU students acquire food processing experience. The group had an opportunity to acquaint with rye bread baking process and participate in it. The same day the group met with managers of the beverage company «Milmani», who studied at the open university. Businessmen highlighted process, challenges and benefits to be considered by universities developing the open university. At the end of the day the group visited the Deer Park, which is specialising in deer breeding, providing benefits for diverse sectors of the economy -husbandry, food processing, and tourism.

On July 1 the delegation visited the Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science. The essence of the concept of the Open University, the issues of establishing a system of higher and professional and continuous education were discussed. Baiba Baskere, a head of the Vocational and Continuing Education Department, presented Latvia’s higher education system, particularly issues of accreditation, development of education standards, educational programs and professional exams. The same day the group visited the Latvian Employers’ Confederation. Kaspars Gorkss, the general director, and Liene Voronenko, the national coordinator of the Council of sectoral experts, provided information and shared experience on education opportunities, provided by the universities, for increase the human resources potential for the benefit of Latvia’s economy and its sectors.

On July 2 the group attended the LBTU, where had training, held by Ilvita Svane, the head of the Lifelong Education Centre, and Zane Zeltina, the coordinator of the Open University activities. They introduced to the work of the open university at the LBTU, admission of external learners, organisation of a process, and quality assurance procedures and tools. The group visited the Faculty of Food Technology of the LBTU, and got acquainted with the food technology and innovation research activities and curricula.

On July 3, the group had training, provided by the LBTU partner - Riga Technical University (RTU), Participants listened to Ugis Citskovskis the vice-rector for the educational process and quality management, and Zane Viskere, the head of the continuing education department. They provided introduction to the Open University work at the RTU. Particularly with regulations, documentation, quality assurance and other aspects.

On July 4, Andris Balodis, an expert in the development of new institutional processes at the RTU, provided training in issues, supportive to partners in development and adoption of new study format. He introduced the group on the forms of virtual (online) education, communication to the different target groups, and ways to attract external learners to the university.

It should be noted that the rich experience of both universities in development and provision of lifelong education opportunities, was demonstrated to the participants. Diverse educational and informative materials were provided by hosting institutions to Central Asia partners for the further activities.

The management and coordination meeting was held at conclusion regarding follow up and next activities. The project’s official website was presented.

Central Asia partners would like to express gratitude to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies for the support and hospitality, starting from visa submission process till farewell at the airport. Special thank you to the Embassy of Latvia in Uzbekistan, which was very supportive in visa issue.

The consortium of seven full partners and six associated partners are implementing the EU Erasmus+ Programme co-funded project “Open Food Innovation University” (OFINU) since 1 February 2024. More information about the project should be found: https://ofinu.eu/