Introduction
The
following report provides a detailed overview of the key partnerships,
collaborations, achievements, and initiatives undertaken by the International
Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE)
during the year 2023. QAHE remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and
ensuring quality assurance in education worldwide through strategic
collaborations, the implementation of best practices, and active participation
in international networks. The report highlights significant milestones,
partnerships with reputable organizations, accreditation efforts, and
participation in international networks.
1.
Partnership with Agency of Quality and Rating Accreditation (AQRA), Kyrgyz
Republic:
QAHE
is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the Agency of Quality and Rating Accreditation (AQRA) from the Kyrgyz Republic.
This partnership aims to foster international cooperation and promote quality
assurance in higher education. AQRA, a reputable quality assurance
organization, specializes in assessing and accrediting educational
institutions. Their expertise and commitment to maintaining rigorous quality
standards have earned them recognition both nationally and internationally. The
MOU with AQRA establishes a framework for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and
mutual recognition of accreditation processes, further strengthening QAHE's
global network and promoting excellence in higher education.
2.
Collaboration with Independent Accreditation and Rating Agency, Kyrgyz Republic
(IARC/NIARS):
QAHE
has established a strategic collaboration with the Independent Accreditation
and Rating Agency, Kyrgyz Republic (IARC/NIARS). IARC/NIARS is the leading
accreditation agency in the Kyrgyz Republic, dedicated to ensuring quality
assurance in education. The agency operates in accordance with the Constitution
of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Civil Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, and other
relevant regulatory legal acts. This partnership, formalized through an MOU,
aims to facilitate reciprocal recognition, knowledge exchange, and strategic
collaboration between QAHE and IARC/NIARS. The collaboration will focus on
sharing best practices, conducting joint research projects, and promoting
quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education.
3.
Collaboration with Agency for Accreditation of Educational Organizations and
Programs "Sapattuu Bilim," Kyrgyz Republic:
QAHE
has entered into a significant MOU with the Agency for Accreditation of
Educational Organizations and Programs "Sapattuu Bilim." This
collaboration marks a key milestone in QAHE's continued efforts to foster
partnerships and promote excellence in education. "Sapattuu Bilim" is
a prominent agency registered with the Ministry of Justice in 2016, operating
in accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Education" and
other relevant regulations. The agency has diligently developed internal
regulatory documents to ensure the quality of education in the Kyrgyz Republic
and has actively participated in international networks and associations. As a
member of the Eurasian Association for Quality Assessment in Education (EAOKO),
"Sapattuu Bilim" has demonstrated its commitment to upholding
rigorous quality standards in education. Additionally, their full membership in
the International Network of Agencies for Quality Assurance in Higher Education
(INQAAHE) and the Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN) further attests to their
dedication to international best practices. The collaboration between QAHE and
"Sapattuu Bilim" will focus on sharing expertise, conducting joint
workshops and conferences, and promoting quality assurance practices in the
Kyrgyz Republic and beyond.
4.
Partnership with The Accreditation Council for Education, Indonesia (ACE):
QAHE
has signed an MOU with The Accreditation Council for Education, Indonesia
(ACE), an independent accrediting agency providing accreditation services to
educational study programs in Indonesia. The partnership aims to enhance the
accreditation process and administration services in educational study
programs, ensuring the highest standards of quality. ACE has a solid track
record in the accreditation of study programs, as evidenced by the
comprehensive stages each program undergoes, including Accreditation
Registration, Self-Evaluation Report, External Evaluation, and Decision-Making.
Through this partnership, QAHE will collaborate with ACE to exchange best
practices, promote quality assurance in education, and contribute to the
ongoing improvement of educational programs in Indonesia.
5.
Collaboration with Directorate for Research, Planning, and Funding (DRPF):
QAHE
has signed a significant MOU with the Directorate for Research, Planning, and
Funding (DRPF), an Intergovernmental Organization founded in 2016. This
collaboration aims to enhance European quality assurance standards in
education. DRPF represents numerous quality assurance organizations from member
states of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and plays a crucial role in
disseminating vital information and supporting effective procedures for quality
enhancement. The collaboration between QAHE and DRPF will focus on sharing
resources, conducting joint research projects, and organizing conferences and
seminars to promote quality assurance practices in Europe and globally.
6.
Partnership with the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and
Research, the Republic of Moldova (ANACEC):
QAHE
has reached an MOU with the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education
and Research, the Republic of Moldova(ANACEC). This collaborative agreement
aims to foster cooperation and enhance quality assurance practices in education
and academic quality sectors. ANACEC, established as a legal public body, is
responsible for ensuring quality assurance in education and research within the
Republic of Moldova. The agency operates in accordance with national
legislation and collaborates with national and international bodies to promote
quality assurance. The partnership between QAHE and ANACEC will involve
knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint initiatives to strengthen
quality assurance frameworks in the Republic of Moldova and share best practices
internationally.
7.
Collaboration with Independent accreditation agency "Elbaasy," Kyrgyz
Republic:
QAHE
has reached an MOU with the independent accreditation agency
"Elbaasy" in the Kyrgyz Republic. "Elbaasy" conducts
independent accreditation of educational organizations and programs, ensuring
quality and improvement in the educational process. The agency has received
recognition from the Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance
Agencies in Higher Education (CEENQA) and plays an instrumental role in
evaluating educational activities. The collaboration between QAHE and
"Elbaasy" aims to foster mutual recognition, knowledge sharing, and
joint initiatives to promote quality assurance in education. The partnership
will focus on sharing accreditation practices, organizing workshops and
seminars, and conducting joint research projects to enhance the quality of
education in the Kyrgyz Republic and beyond.
8.
Partnership with Public Foundation Independent Accreditation Agency
"BILIM-STANDART":
QAHE
has reached an MOU with the Public Foundation Independent Accreditation Agency
"BILIM-STANDART" for reciprocal recognition and strategic
collaboration. "BILIM-STANDART" is a full member of the Asia-Pacific
Quality Assurance Network (APQN), the International Network of Quality
Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), and the Eurasian Association
for Educational Quality Assessment. The agency is dedicated to promoting
quality assurance and maintaining rigorous standards in education. The collaboration
between QAHE and "BILIM-STANDART" will involve sharing best
practices, conducting joint capacity-building activities, and facilitating
mutual recognition of accreditation processes. The partnership aims to
strengthen quality assurance practices in the participating regions and
contribute to the continuous improvement of education.
9.
Collaboration with Higher Education Council, North Syria (HEC):
QAHE
has reached an MOU with the Higher Education Council, North Syria (HEC), for
reciprocal recognition and strategic collaboration on promoting international
accreditation. HEC, established in 2016, is an independent higher educational
and academic body committed to enhancing the quality of education in northern
Syria. The collaboration between QAHE and HEC aims to facilitate mutual
recognition of accreditation processes, share best practices, and support
capacity building in quality assurance. Through this partnership, QAHE will
contribute to the efforts of HEC in promoting quality education and ensuring
international standards are upheld.
Conclusion
The
year 2023 has been marked by significant partnerships, collaborative efforts,
and achievements for QAHE. Through strategic collaborations with reputable
organizations such as AQRA, IARC/NIARS, "Sapattuu Bilim," ACE, DRPF,
ANACEC, "Elbaasy," "BILIM-STANDART," and HEC, QAHE has
strengthened its global network and contributed to the promotion of quality
assurance in education. These collaborations have involved knowledge exchange,
joint research projects, capacity building activities, and the sharing of best
practices. QAHE's active participation in international networks such as
INQAAHE, APQN, CEENQA, and EAOKO further demonstrates its commitment to
international best practices and continuous improvement in quality assurance.
The efforts undertaken in 2023 reflect QAHE's dedication to advancing the field
of quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education, upholding rigorous
standards, and promoting excellence. QAHE looks forward to building on these
achievements and continuing to foster partnerships and promote quality
assurance in education worldwide in the coming years.