The MoES of Kyrgyzstan does not have a non-formal education department and currently there are not any non-formal education programmes proposed by the government in the most recent ESD Document (2007-2010) (UNESCO 2008). From 2000, the system of informal education has been spontaneously formed. The current government policy in the sector is based on the National Policy of the Kyrgyz Population Employment till 2010 and the Concept of Adult Education Development in the Kyrgyz Republic (UNESCO 2007). Non-formal and Informal education activities are coordinated by the MoES, the Technical group on Adult Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Monitoring. The system of non-formal and informal education in Kyrgyzstan covers common courses in institutions and universities, centres of continuous education, centres of adult education, and various courses of intensive training programmes. Courses such as civic education, world cultures, art, and management skills cover the most significant number of adult population (MoES 2008). Moreover, most of non-formal and informal education institutions are located in urban centres of either Bishkek or Osh.
Several major challenges are faced by the non-formal and informal education sub-sector in the Republic. Economic backing, functioning and development of adult education system through assigning of resources from the state budget, organizations, firm, entrepreneurs, and public foundations is urgently needed. In addition, there is a lack of standards and criteria of quality assessment. Establishment of accreditation institutions and certification of adult education programmes is also necessary. Subsequent employment opportunities after non-formal/informal training, wage rise, career advancement, and acquisition of new work and life skills are factors that should govern the future modifications of the non-formal/informal education sub-sector in the country.
