All small projects were intended to realize the ideas of Place-based education in practice, as well as to apply research and writing skills that were obtained during the workshops.

1.“Development of the syllabus for the course “Native Land” for elementary school children”.

Author: Alexander Balkunov, teacher of economics, School “Zvezdochka” (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).

The idea of the project:  To form the initial knowledge of elementary school children about their native place, creation of the whole picture of their native land (village, town, city, district) on the basis of complex studying of three major components – the nature, population and economy; characteristics of their place and values in the context of global scale; teaching the values of citizenship and patriotism, respect for history and culture of peoples of Kyrgyzstan.

2.“Sacred places in Almaty agglomeration” (Kazakhstan).

Authors: Gulmira Bilyalova, Nadejda Ivleva, Madina Sultanova, faculties from Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Almaty, Kazakhstan)

The idea of the project: Studying theoretical materials for conducting field research on sacred places in Ungurtas zone of Almaty district.  Studying of the role of sacred places as ethno-cultural objects, promoting and strengthening of religious tolerance in the formation of a harmoniously developed person.

3.“Khazorispand in traditional Tajik culture”.

Authors: a group of students from Tajik State National University (Dushanbe, Tajikistan).

The idea of the project: Studying traditional knowledge on Khazorispand. Making presentation on the results of the research for Aga Khan Humanities Project (AKHP) students in Dushanbe.

4.“Research on the Kyrgyz Diaspora of Eastern Pamir”.

Author: Daniyar Karabaev, Khorog State Universtiy, Teacher, (Khorog, Tajikistan)

The idea of the project: Studying and conducting field research on the problem of survival of the Kyrgyz Diaspora in Eastern Pamir. Writing an article for a local newspaper “Sarykyol” and making presentation on the received results for academic community of Khorog State University during the conference.

5.“Cult of nature among the Kyrgyz”.

Author: Abdymitalip Murzakmetov, Senior Teacher of Osh State University (Osh, Kyrgyzstan).

The idea of the project: Revealing and popularization of lost traditions of ancient Kyrgyz culture by studying of traditional beliefs and legends related to animals. Search and collection of materials during field research in Batken oblast, South Kyrgyzstan and publication of the articles.

6.“Khujand atlas: history and modernity”

Authors: Timurjon Karimov, Marifat Anvarova, Dildor Tashmatova, faculties of Khujand State University (Khujand, Tajikistan).

The idea of the project: Studying of the history of atlas’ manufacture in Khujand with further promotion of interest of manufacturers to preserve this knowledge and revive traditional production of atlas. Increasing interest of younger generations to atlas as part of Tajik culture by organizing Atlas Festival and Round table with specialists.

7.“Natural and cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan through objective”

Authors: Dinara Alymova, Senior Teacher, Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture, Aisuluu Mambetjunushova, Specialist of International Department, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).

The idea of the project: Ethno-ecological education of city school pupils by teaching them place-based writing skills, photo-video shooting with organization of trip to the International Horse-Racing Festival “At-Chabysh” to Barskoon village and trip of village children to the city for participation in a photo-exhibition and essay contest.

All projects were supported with small grants from $280 till $995 and lasted for 4 months.