Launching a Makerspace Learning and Design Center in Bishkek

August 2, 2021

Bard College and the American University of Central Asia will collaborate on a construction and commodities project known as the AUCA Makerspace Learning and Design Center (MLDC). MLDC is a single learning center that aims to consolidate research and innovation, as well as introduce inventions to increase digital and technological production. The construction is financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Makerspace research center is designed for public and collaborative usage. It will be a progress-focused learning environment where collaboration, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit will represent the shared values of American and Kyrgyz people – inclusiveness, accessibility, and entrepreneurship.

The history of the term “makerspace” dates back to 2005, with the release of the magazine “Make”, which combined the do-it-yourself movement with the technological and creative perspective. Dale Dogetry who was a founder of “Make” magazine developed makerspace.com in 2010 which is the main source that unites hundreds of opened makerspaces all over the world, and the AUCA MLDC will carry the whole cooperative values of makerspace in Kyrgyz Republic.

The main distinctive feature of MLC from other similar places in Kyrgyzstan is that the place will be used for making, learning, exploring, sharing, and engaging local communities, not only students and faculty of the AUCA, to foster entrepreneurship and social justice. The building of the learning center will be open to scientists, researchers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and developers from all over Kyrgyzstan. Makerspace, will provide new opportunities for the development of new research initiatives with an aid of specialized equipment (3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, robotics, sewing, and else), and of course, it will provide an entire working space for the elaboration of projects and ideas.

If you are planning to start working on a new project or product using the Makerspace Learning and Design Centre of AUCA, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Project has to be collaborative: ensure community users perspective, engage women, girls, people with disabilities, and other groups that have been denied access to technologies;
Participants must be willing to actively share their learning with others and, in turn, to learn from others.

You will hear more from us on this innovative learning makerspace, keep on checking our website.

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