QAHE Work Report 2023

 

QAHE Work Report 2023 International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE)

 

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.