Mayors criticized for failing to launch paid vocational schools

Mayors of 16 districts across Uzbekistan came under criticism for failing to implement a directive to integrate at least one school in each district into a system where students are connected with entrepreneurs and receive monthly salaries ranging from 2 million to 5 million sums. The issue was raised on May 15 during a videoconference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focused on enhancing the effectiveness of reforms in the school education system and identifying future priorities.

According to the report presented at the meeting, the educational programs developed for Presidential and specialized schools were extended to 1,500 general schools last year. However, 300 of those schools still lack modern laboratories and essential educational equipment.

Two years ago, in response to labor market demands, vocational training in 60 different professions was introduced for 10th-grade students in 289 schools. To date, 114 of these schools have been partnered with entrepreneurs, allowing 4,000 students to earn monthly salaries between 2 million and 5 million sums.

Despite these advancements, the mayors of Dehqanabad, Guzar, Kosansoy, Mingbulak, Uychi, Gulistan, Sardoba, Khovos, Boysun, Denov, Shorchi, Muzrabot, Buvaida, Dangara, Hazorasp, and Khanka districts failed to meet their assigned targets. They were specifically criticized for not providing schools with the necessary equipment or raw materials required for vocational education.

The meeting also addressed challenges in teacher certification. Last year, 341,000 teachers were assessed under a newly introduced ranking system, and 102,000 of them failed the examination.

In addition, the country has shifted from a diploma-based system to one that evaluates actual knowledge and qualifications. Among 13,000 candidates tested under this new system, 6,000 were deemed unqualified and were unable to secure teaching positions.

Another pressing concern is the shortage of science teachers. While 61 private universities in Uzbekistan are currently training pedagogical personnel, none of them offer programs to prepare teachers in chemistry, biology, or physics.