On 20 November 2025, the official kick-off meeting of the new Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project Manas E-LAB: Managing New Approaches to Student Entrepreneurship and Sustainability took place at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU). The event brought together project partners from Europe and Turkiye, university leadership, and representatives of the National Erasmus+ Office in Kyrgyzstan.
The National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Kyrgyzstan attended the event, highlighting the importance of the project for strengthening innovative educational practices and supporting entrepreneurial skills among students across the region.
The meeting began with opening remarks from KTMU’s top management and the National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Kyrgyzstan. Participants then briefly introduced themselves, marking the official start of the project’s collaborative work.
The National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Kyrgyzstan delivered a presentation on reporting procedures for the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), providing partners with clear guidance on administrative and reporting requirements essential for smooth project implementation.
The project coordinators then presented the key governing documents, including the comprehensive Project Governance Document, the Financial Management and Quality Assurance Plan, and the detailed plan for organising and facilitating project meetings. Partners actively engaged in discussions on implementing Work Package 1, focusing on roles and responsibilities within the consortium.
After the lunch break, the meeting proceeded with an in-depth session on Work Package 2 (WP2): Physical and Digital Infrastructure Development, delivered by the WP2 Leader (FUSJ). Participants held a constructive discussion on the implementation strategy, partner roles, and practical steps for establishing the project’s infrastructure components.
The day concluded with a wrap-up session where partners shared feedback, clarified coordination mechanisms, and agreed on the next steps for smooth project implementation.
The successful kick-off meeting laid a strong foundation for the Manas E-LAB project, which aims to develop innovative learning environments, strengthen student entrepreneurship, and promote sustainability-driven approaches within higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan and the wider region.
