The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training and the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), Kazakhstan, is complete.
Minister of State, in the Ministry, Sandra Husbands, signed the document on behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Barbados, while Director of IAAR, Dr. Alina Zhumagulova, signed on her country’s behalf.
The MOU signing, which took place virtually on Wednesday, July 10, in the Conference Room of the Ministry’s Media Resource Department, confirms IAAR as an alternative accrediting body for education being offered in Barbados in medicine and other health professions.
The IAAR, founded in 2011, is an international accreditation agency for the Quality Assurance of Education. It is a full member of European, Asian and American Quality Assurance networks and organisations, being the first of its kind from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and is recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
The signing is the culmination of the process which brings this MOU into effect; as the first virtual signing, conducted a few weeks ago, was the beginning of the process.
Minister Husbands said she sees the collaboration providing an opportunity for the Ministry to be able to build its capacity to offer education internationally, while simultaneously being an integral part of this country’s economic thrust.
“By virtue of signing this MOU today, we pledge to collaborate closely with one another in order to achieve our shared objectives, which is to pursue excellence in the provision of education. Accreditation in medicine and other health professions is of utmost importance and represents a promising future,” she said.
Ahead of the signing, Dr. Zhumagulova stated that this initiative is important for the partnership between Barbados and Kazakhstan.
She said the partnership is a significant step towards facilitating the accreditation of medical programmes provided in Barbados and shows their recognition nationally and globally to meet international medical standards set by WFME.
“Today, we finish what we started before, and we look forward to the benefits it will bring. We believe in working together and sharing experience. By doing this, we can enhance education positive better for everyone, as we sign this memorandum, I’m sure that our good will lead to make great progress in education,” she added.
Internal Relations Manager of IAAR, Akbota Islam, who witnessed the signing, thanked the Government of Barbados for its dedication and support and said she looks forward to continued cooperation in the next phases of the journey.
“Today’s agreement symbolises our joint commitment to excellence in medical education and accreditation. I am confident that this partnership will bring significant benefits for both Barbados and Kazakhstan, fostering innovation and ensuring the highest standards in medical training.”
In her closing remarks, Minister Husbands stated: “I have no doubt that the people of Barbados and Kazakhstan will be able to forge even closer ties as a result of our commitment to this process. Allow me to take this opportunity to assure you that the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training will do everything within our power to ensure the successful implementation of this MOU.”