Compulsory school contributions: a necessity or a violation?

With the start of every school year, the collection of various fees begins – classroom funds, school funds, and, by year-end, money for school repairs.

Although demanding these fees is illegal and not regulated, many parents, fearing negative consequences for their children, agree to these unjustified payments. It's widely known that schools receive government funding to support their infrastructure, a fact frequently highlighted on social media.

For instance, at a press conference on August 29, chaired by Minister of Preschool and School Education Hilola Umarova, journalists inquired about the compulsory collection of school funds. Usman Sharifkhojayev, the Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education, responded:

"There are schools that use external funds. Some schools arrange extra paid classes and pay teachers for overtime. It would be dishonest to say that the local budget can fully support over 10,000 schools. However, it is wrong to collect money for classroom or school funds. If such incidents occur, parents can report them through our hotlines."

Despite legal prohibitions and constant warnings, rumors about "new harvest" fund collections in schools have sparked debate on social media at the start of this academic year. To investigate, QALAMPIR.UZ conducted a public survey.

"I don't know if the fund will be collected or not, but we give money for paint, curtains, flowers, and repairs. I assume this is probably for the school fund," said a woman employed in the city’s improvement service.

Another mother, whose child attends school, shared that she pays for school repairs once a year.

"They collect 100,000 soms a year. If we don’t pay, they say we didn’t contribute, and the parents give the teacher a list of those who didn’t pay. They single out my child, and then we have to pay," said the mother of a third-grader.

Some parents, although reluctant, accept this situation to avoid trouble for their children.

"If we pay, it’s for our children. We want them to study in good conditions, and the government can’t provide everything equally. We don’t mind contributing. Sometimes, when kids forget supplies, the teacher gives them a pen or notebook, possibly from these funds," commented another mother.