Examining the Sustainability of the Quality Learning Project in Central Asia
By J.C. FinleyJuly 6, 2015
“Any program is more likely to succeed if local partners can generate the required demand for implementation.” This guiding principle — of obtaining local buy-in and inspiring local collaboration — is central to crafting sustainable development initiatives.
The topic of sustainability is the focus of a new case study conducted by Creative Associates International concerning the Quality Learning Project, an education reform initiative in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“Making a Lasting Impact: The Quality Learning Project Sustainability Framework (A Case Study)” examines important attributes of sustainability in the development arena and how these manifest in real-world project settings in general and the Quality Learning Project experience in particular.
The Quality Learning Project, implemented by Creative Associates International beginning in 2007, focused on expanding access to quality primary and secondary education to help Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan better meet 21st century scientific, technological and skilled-labor needs.
From the outset, the Quality Learning Project worked closely with local government partners to frame a shared vision for education reform, articulated a strategy to actualize that vision and established a collaborative working relationship to implement the reforms.
Stakeholders maintained a focus throughout the life of the project on how best to maintain momentum and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Semere Solomon, a Senior Associate at Creative and an expert in education and civil society programs, led the assessment.
In Solomon’s analysis, the Quality Learning Project was structured in such a way that it factored in certain sustainability variables but also faced “many constraints and challenges… on its path toward sustainability.”
Click here to read the case study in full.