Aga Khan School, Osh alumna receives prestigious presidential award for outstanding study at university


17 April 2024

Since its opening in 2002, the Aga Khan School (AKS), Osh has now over 700 graduates. The school takes pride in its efforts to prepare students for current world demands and opportunities in higher education. From the first graduating class to now, hundreds of alumni continue to thank their schoolteachers and staff for inspiring and instilling in them a love to study which enabled them to reach their desired level of education and career today.

One such alumna from the Class of 2019, Kyzzhibek Zhanibekova, was recently honoured with the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, one of the most prestigious awards in the Kyrgyz Republic for university students. The fourth-year student at the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) School of Arts and Sciences received a certificate and a cash award of 60,000 Kyrgyz som (approximately $670) for her outstanding academic work during her bachelor's degree.  

Read about Kyzzhibek’s journey below, including her thoughts on the award, her experience at AKS, Osh and her life at university. 

Introduce yourself. 
Hello, my name is Kyzzhibek Zhanibekova. Currently, I am a senior student majoring in communications and media at UCA. I am an alumna of the Study of U.S. Institutes exchange programme in 2023. I am also a creative media content creator.   

Why did you choose to study at AKS, Osh and how long were you there?  
I started my schooling at AKS, Osh from Grade 6 up to Grade 11. It was my mom’s decision for me to study there as she believed the education I would receive at the school would be one of the best in Osh city. Moreover, I wanted to be a part of the English language medium class that AKS, Osh offered.  

What were some of your favourite memories from AKS, Osh? 
I love my school memories because I still have good friends from there. I consider my school one of the places that allowed me to discover my interests and personality. It built a base for my leadership skills and the teachers were the ones who allowed me to be open-minded and curious about the world around me.  

How did the school prepare you for your career? 
The school provided me with fundamental knowledge in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics, subjects and languages, which is allowing me to succeed in my bachelor’s degree.  

What do you like the most about UCA and your student life there? 
I love my university and the student life at UCA. Although it is in a remote area from the big cities and is somewhat isolated, it provides opportunities for personal and academic growth. What I love the most here are the people and the supportive community interested in constant growth and development.  

How did you feel when you received this prestigious award? How will this support your journey? 
I am applying for a master's programme this year and the stipend I received from this award will provide me with financial support. I would like to continue my studies in the field of film. I am currently waiting for acceptance from several universities.    

Photo: Kyzzhibek receiving the award from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.