Schools in Uzbekistan to resume on September 14

The Covid-19 pandemic, having shattered all spheres of life, has also affected the education system in the republic. Most schools have been forced to cancel all classes and switch to online education globally. The same situation is observed in Uzbekistan as well, leading to the suspension of all traditional educational processes from March, when the first case of infection was spotted. In general, the situation now seems to be stable; allowing to ease the lockdown measures nationwide. As the new school year is approaching, parents are wondering: when and how will the educational process resume? These and other issues were on the agenda of the presidential meeting.

There are more than 6 million 200 thousand schoolchildren in Uzbekistan. Mirziyoyev has instructed to consult with parents themselves and teachers when making a decision to resume classes or not. 

To this end, the Ministry of Public Education conducted a survey among 5.5 million parents to study their opinions. 76 percent of them supported the traditional education system, that is, going back to school. 24 percent of those who have attended the survey preferred to continue online education.

The World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Gebreyesus has recently said that the coronavirus pandemic could drag on for another two years. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the consequences of suspending the educational process can have very serious consequences for the world community in the future. Therefore, we must all be ready to live, work and educate our children in the face of a pandemic, the meeting stressed.

Meanwhile, most of the teachers said they were looking forward to the opening of schools, and expressed their readiness to return to the traditional form of education.

Taking into account the results of the study, it was decided to organize the educational process in schools simultaneously in two ways - in the traditional form, according to the desire of most of the parents, and in the distance form.

- If I was asked who the heroes of today are, I would say that these are our respected teachers, along with medical professionals, - the President said.

Mirziyoyevv also that insufficient attention is paid to increasing the authority of teachers and mentors in society.

- This is not just about financial incentives. We must create an atmosphere of high respect and reverence for every selfless teacher who has devoted himself to the education and upbringing of youth. After all, how much effort does it take to train a single child up to the 11th grade?! Much depends especially from student leaders, we must listen to them and support them. As long as there are no changes in the school, no changes in any sphere can be expected, " Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Mayors of districts and cities, heads of sectors have been instructed to provide schools with basic necessities in accordance with sanitary requirements.

The Ministry of public education was instructed to start the new school year on September 14.

Based on this experiment, each step will be clearly defined, including who will meet students at school, how they will follow to classes, and how often the rooms will be ventilated. All this will help to quickly adapt and ensure the safety of children who have missed school for almost a six-month break.

The Ministry for the development of information technologies and communications has been instructed to ensure proper quality of digital TV signal and Internet speed, as well as to conduct full testing of communication systems in remote areas so that students undergoing online education would not have technical problems.

Moreover, employees of the internal affairs and National Guard will be assigned to each school to monitor compliance with the order and quarantine requirements. At least one health care worker from a local clinic or medical center will be engaged to constantly monitor the health of students.