C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks through English)

C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks through English) is a regional English language training initiative funded by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and administered by the American Councils for International Education. The program brings together early- to mid-career professionals from the public, private, and civil society sectors across Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The current program cycle focuses on “English for the Economy,” strengthening participants’ English language skills for professional communication across a broad range of economic sectors. The program emphasizes spoken English while also developing listening, reading, and writing skills relevant to participants’ professional responsibilities. By improving participants’ ability to communicate in international professional environments, C5+O.N.E. supports stronger regional connectivity and creates opportunities for collaboration among emerging professionals across Central Asia and with their American counterparts.

Each participant receives three semesters of English language programming totaling 180 hours, including 160 hours of in-person English instruction and 20 hours of supplemental programming. The curriculum places particular emphasis on practical speaking and communication skills applicable to professional settings.

Beyond classroom instruction, C5+O.N.E. provides participants with opportunities to participate in national and regional workshops, conferences, networking activities, and professional exchanges. These activities allow participants to interact with experts and peers from different sectors, expand their professional networks, exchange knowledge and best practices, and develop connections across Central Asia.

C5+O.N.E. in Tajikistan

Since its launch, C5+O.N.E. in Tajikistan has reached 585 participants, with 288 alumni across five completed cohorts. The program currently has two active cohorts, bringing together professionals from government, public institutions, international organizations, financial institutions, technology companies, and the private sector.

Current participants represent organizations including:

• Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies (AIDT)

• Alif Bank

• Alomat LLC (Your.tj)

• Avesto Group

• Coca-Cola CCI Tajikistan

• Committee for Tourism Development (CTD)

• International Business and Trade (IBT)

• Ministry of Agriculture

• Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT)

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

• Ministry of Finance

• Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment

• National Bank of Tajikistan

• State Committee on Investment and State Property Management (SCISPM)

• Somon Air

• VASL

• Zypl.ai

• 55 Group

• Agency for Communications under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

Through its combination of professional English instruction, cross-sector networking, and regional engagement, C5+O.N.E. continues to build a growing community of English-speaking professionals in Tajikistan and strengthen connections that support regional cooperation, economic engagement, and shared opportunities across Central Asia.