From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the Erasmus+ CBHE DIANA Project held its first Training of Trainers at Universidade Portucalense in Porto, bringing together 11 partner institutions from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Portugal, and Germany.
DIANA Training of Trainers in Porto Successfully Concluded!
From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the Erasmus+ CBHE DIANA Project successfully held its first Training of Trainers at Universidade Portucalense (UPT), Porto, Portugal, bringing together representatives from 11 partner institutions across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Portugal, and Germany. The intensive training week focused on entrepreneurship in rural tourism, innovative teaching methodologies, women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and international collaboration, equipping participants with new knowledge and practical tools to strengthen higher education and support rural entrepreneurship.
Throughout the week, participants attended expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, collaborative group activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions delivered by academics and specialists from Universidade Portucalense and international partners. The programme encouraged the exchange of best practices, fostered intercultural dialogue, and strengthened cooperation among consortium members.
An important highlight of the training was the study visits, providing participants with first-hand insight into successful examples of entrepreneurship and innovation in Portugal. The delegation visited NOWHERE Desk, where participants explored innovative approaches to creative entrepreneurship, community engagement, and business development. Another field visit introduced participants to a rural tourism enterprise led by women entrepreneurs, demonstrating how local heritage, sustainable tourism, and female leadership contribute to rural economic development. These practical experiences complemented the academic sessions by connecting theory with real-world entrepreneurial practice.
The Training of Trainers welcomed representatives from the following DIANA consortium partners:
• KoKSU (Kazakhstan)
• International Agricultural University (Uzbekistan)
• Universidade Portucalense (Portugal)
• Hochschule Wismar – University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design (Germany)
• Manash Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University (Kazakhstan)
• D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (Kazakhstan)
• Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism (Kazakhstan)
• International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage "Silk Road" (Uzbekistan)
• Nukus State Technical University (Uzbekistan)
• Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Akmola Region (Kazakhstan)
• Republican Center for Socio-Economic Development "SABR" (Uzbekistan)
The DIANA consortium expresses its sincere appreciation to Universidade Portucalense, the organizing team, trainers, guest speakers, and all participants for their commitment, expertise, and active engagement throughout the week.
The successful completion of the first Training of Trainers marks another important milestone in the DIANA project, strengthening international partnerships and supporting the project's mission of empowering women through entrepreneurship in rural tourism in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
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