President Mirziyoyev Outlines Key Priorities for Education System Development in 2025
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed and approved key priorities for the development of preschool and school education for 2025, emphasizing the state’s increasing attention to these foundational sectors. The meeting highlighted recent achievements, ongoing reforms, and ambitious plans to elevate the quality of education nationwide.
Expansion and Modernization of Preschool Education
Over the past few years, Uzbekistan’s preschool education system has seen remarkable growth. The number of kindergartens has increased eightfold, reaching 38,000, while the enrollment rate in preschool education has surged from 27% to 76%. Advanced international practices are being incorporated, with significant investments in infrastructure and staff training.
Looking ahead, 162 new preschool educational institutions, 100 private kindergartens, and 1,000 family kindergartens are set to be established in 2025. These initiatives aim to further boost preschool enrollment to 78%. To enhance the curriculum, new positions such as deputy directors in preschool organizations will be introduced, along with innovative training formats like Methodological Mastery Hour and Day.
Nationwide Progress in School Education
School education has seen transformative development, with over 5,000 schools constructed or renovated in the last seven years, including 608 in 2024 alone. For the first time, inclusive education has been implemented in 530 schools. In 2025, over 100 new schools will be established, creating 257,000 additional student places.
The government plans to align state education programs with international standards and expand the number of schools offering a second foreign language to 420. Vocational training will also be introduced in 400 schools. A modern assessment system, already implemented in 1,500 schools, will be expanded based on analysis results.
Empowering Educators and Enhancing Teacher Quality
To attract and retain high-quality teachers, a digital system has been introduced to assign qualification categories, with salary increases of up to 70% based on performance. The President called for further improvements in qualification exam procedures, ensuring fairness and encouraging healthy competition among teachers.
Starting next year, regional centers for advanced training will update their curricula, adopting a differentiated approach to teacher development. Teachers requiring additional support will undergo specialized programs. Five modern pedagogical excellence centers will be established, equipped with situational training and virtual laboratories.
Military-Patriotic Education and Character Development
The President emphasized the harmony between educational and upbringing processes. A resolution passed in November introduced enhanced military-patriotic education for high school students, including additional hours and the assignment of military ranks to teachers in this field. New textbooks will be prepared, and “Schools of Courage” will be established in 208 institutions, targeting both typical and at-risk youth.
Strengthening Education in Remote Areas
Special attention will be given to improving the quality of education in remote areas. The President instructed authorities to systematically develop education infrastructure across all regions, ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities.
These comprehensive reforms underscore Uzbekistan’s commitment to nurturing a modern, inclusive, and globally competitive education system that prepares students for the challenges of the future.
