From October 12 to 16, 2026, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, with support from UNICEF, held a series of training seminars and consultations in the cities of Mary and Ashgabat. The events focused on introducing modern play-based and inquiry-based approaches to early childhood education and improving the training system for kindergarten teachers and early childhood development specialists.

The meetings brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the National Institute of Education, methodologists at regional and district levels, and kindergarten teachers.

According to Zhanar Sagimbayeva, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, the quality of early childhood education begins with educators who understand how children learn and develop during their early years. She emphasized that advancing play-based learning methods and strengthening professional development systems help create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every child can discover and develop their abilities.

In Mary, Christian Fabbi, UNICEF’s international early childhood education expert, visited kindergartens participating in the pilot project alongside a team of national specialists. The experts assessed how play-based and inquiry-based methods were being used in educational activities and attended open lessons conducted by kindergarten teachers.

A practical training seminar was also held with the participation of 35 specialists and education professionals. Discussions focused on how observing groups of children and creating a supportive environment can help educators take each child’s individual interests into account and develop curiosity, creativity and emotional intelligence.

In Ashgabat, a two-day training seminar was held under the leadership of Christian Fabbi. It focused on reviewing and approving two new methodological guides and a set of practical tools. Participants considered how modern pedagogical and psychological guidance could be incorporated into the curricula of higher education institutions, secondary vocational schools and professional development institutes. This is expected to help both future educators and practicing teachers apply leading international practices.

The training and methodological materials developed will support the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan in its efforts to advance an inclusive education system based on play-based learning and attentive to each child’s individual needs. These efforts aim to establish a strong foundation for children’s education in all regions of the country.