The International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Preschool Education: Quality and Efficiency, Development Perspectives” was conducted by the Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of Managers and Specialists of Preschool Education Organizations, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, UNICEF Uzbekistan, and the Science and Innovation International Scientific Journal.
The conference is part of the Enhancing Access to Quality Early Childhood Education Project in Uzbekistan, funded by the Islamic Development Bank with a contribution of US$ 30 million. This project aims to support the Government of Uzbekistan’s goal of achieving universal preschool enrollment by 2028. It seeks to improve access to high-quality early childhood education facilities by constructing and equipping preschools, as well as enhancing the quality of early learning environments through capacity building and systems strengthening.
The main objectives of the conference are to identify current issues in preschool education and develop scientific and practical solutions to address them. It also aims to discuss contemporary trends and promising directions, as well as share successful practices.
Regina Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, emphasized the crucial role of teachers in ensuring quality and inclusive preschool education, while also acknowledging the progress made in expanding access through innovative partnerships and alternative ECE centers.
The participants of the conference, including teachers and lecturers from higher and professional educational institutions, managers and teachers of preschool education organizations, and research staff, highlighted the importance of investing in preschool education for providing children with the best possible start in life. It has a direct impact on learning outcomes and has consistently shown the highest returns on investment.
UNICEF is currently providing technical assistance to the Government of Uzbekistan in a project aimed at building the capacity of preschool teachers and managers. As a result of this collaboration, more than 6,500 teachers have benefited from a revised in-service training curriculum in 2024. Additionally, the establishment of 11 new in-service training institutes in all regions of Uzbekistan is expected to ensure the re-training of all preschool teachers within the next five years.
In recent years, access to preschool education in Uzbekistan has increased by 40%. The funding for early innovative public-private partnerships has also expanded access to alternative early childhood education models nationwide. Currently, more than two million children aged 3-6 are enrolled in the preschool education system.
Bekhruz Khudoyberdiyev, photos by Asliddin Alijonov, UzA.