Central Asia's New Media Generation
How an innovative online learning platform is transforming media education across Central Asia.
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Welcome to IWPR’s Frontline Update, your go-to source to hear from journalists and local voices at the front lines of conflict.
THE BIG PICTURE
Central Asia has long faced struggles with both media freedom and digital literacy, hampering democratic growth and social progress as well as limiting the development of a knowledge economy.
IWPR Central Asia’s online educational CABAR.asia Media School addresses this skills deficit, offering diverse online courses including political analysis, information resilience, new media and digital journalism, all available in Russian and the official languages of the five Central Asian countries.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE
"The region faces challenges in media literacy, misinformation, and the ability to analyse data critically,” said IWPR Сentral Asia editor Lola Olimova. “The Media School fills these gaps by equipping aspiring journalists with the tools and skills they need to navigate an evolving media landscape.”
Provided free of charge, with unlimited access, trainees complete courses created by recognised experts in their fields and pass tests before receiving a digital certificate.
Idibek Sharipov, an aspiring journalist from Tajikistan, said that CABAR.asia Media School had transformed his professional development.
“It has played a crucial role in my growth over the past two years,” he continued. “Comparing my initial work to my current projects, I see remarkable improvement. This progress motivates me to continue refining my skills."
WHY IT MATTERS
“We aim to foster a new generation of media workers who can contribute to transparent and responsible journalism, strengthening democracy and public discourse across the region,” said Olimova.
More than 15,000 participants from across the region and beyond have taken courses through the platform since it was launched in 2018.
In addition, nearly 40 academics across the region have incorporated Media School material into their teaching. Universities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan now recognise these courses, even offering additional grades to students who successfully complete them.
Saltanat Sugirbekova, a lecturer at Almaty Management University, said that he ensured students took CABAR Media School courses including storytelling and writing techniques.
“I assigned these courses as homework, encouraging students to take them independently,” he continued. "I also provide a link to the platforms to all students specialising in this field so they can study the course materials independently. I also use almost all the textbooks available on the platform in my teaching."
THE BOTTOM LINE
For more than 20 years, IWPR Central Asia has increased the potential of local media, independent journalists and civil society institutions through educational and leadership programmes.
The Media School continues to grow as a hub for aspiring journalists and other professionals, providing essential knowledge to navigate an ever-evolving landscape.
