Classrooms or Barns? Unfit for Education: Uzbek schools battle cold, disrepair, and neglect

In Uzbekistan, an old saying advises: “See the sorrow of winter in the summer.” Each summer, state organizations, ministries, and departments report on their preparations for the coming cold. Yet, year after year, the arrival of winter exposes the shortcomings of these preparations.

QALAMPIR.UZ recently received a complaint about the condition of Secondary General Education School No. 10, located in the Katta Rovot neighborhood of Buka District, Tashkent region. Initially, the report seemed exaggerated, especially given the school's proximity to the capital. However, upon visiting the site, the gravity of the situation became undeniable.

"You’d be ashamed to call this a school" 
Built in 1989, School No. 10 is a one-story structure. In 2008, a gymnasium and preschool were added. However, due to poor construction and lack of maintenance, the school is now in a state of disrepair. Currently, only students from grades 1 to 5 attend, as the school's small capacity and deteriorating conditions cannot accommodate more.

“The building has needed repairs for years. When workers visit, they promise assistance but nothing changes. Countless appeals to the authorities have gone unanswered. The school hasn’t seen renovations for years, and the situation is dire. The Ministry of Education's requirements are demanding, but we lack even basic facilities like a cafeteria or kitchen,” said the head of the school’s Primary Military Training Department.

The school guard echoed these sentiments, explaining that teachers are left to handle classroom repairs. From replacing light bulbs to repainting walls and fixing floors, teachers shoulder the burden. Heating is another major issue. The coal heating system fails to warm the classrooms, especially with low-quality coal.

“The building is practically falling apart. There is no heating, the floors are rotting, and dirt covers everything. Even the teachers take part in fixing classrooms. We’re also repairing the guardhouse on our own, using electric stoves to keep warm. When emergencies happen, inspectors fine us for using unauthorized stoves, but what else can we do? As soon as they leave, we plug them back in,” said Umidjon Saidov, the school guard.

The school gym is not only freezing but also hazardous. Teachers recalled that years ago, local authorities locked the gym, citing safety concerns. However, no repairs followed, nor was a replacement building constructed. Today, students are left with no alternative but to use the unsafe space.

“They warned that if there was an earthquake, the roof would collapse. But we have no choice. You’d be ashamed to call this a school – it resembles a barn. The structure doesn’t meet educational standards or sanitary regulations. There isn’t even a hall for assemblies. We gather outside in the cold for national ceremonies, like singing the anthem. If we share videos online, people criticize us for making the children stand in freezing weather. What can we do? There’s simply nowhere else to gather,” said teacher Shamsiddin Musayev.

“What electronic board? We don’t even have one in our district”

Due to space constraints in the Rovot neighborhood, students from grades 5 to 11 have been relocated to a nearby college building. However, the “savior” school is in no better condition.

“In winter, the classrooms are freezing. Sometimes the light bulbs go out, and we can’t see the board. Our teacher asks us to sit closer, but the old boards are barely legible. Sometimes they fall off entirely. We dress in layers, trying to stay warm. On the coldest days, the radiators burst, spraying water on us. Even tying them with rubber bands doesn’t help. We often study in flooded rooms. We avoid the gym in winter because it’s just too cold,” said Shabbona, a schoolgirl.

The school’s floors are in particularly poor condition, covered in dust and emitting unpleasant odors.

“We need to participate in Open Budget to build a sidewalk. But what should we prioritize? Isn’t human dignity supposed to come first? Ignoring the Open Budget shouldn’t mean disregarding children’s welfare. The heating system was installed in 2009. Now, the pipes are completely corroded. We use rubber bands to connect the radiators, but how long can this continue? Even our director has repeatedly requested new linoleum for the floors, but nothing has changed,” Musayev added.

On February 3, 2023, Minister of Pre-School and School Education Hilola Umarova stated her intention to visit schools in remote areas, not just sit in the ministry. When will she fulfill that promise and witness the state of this school firsthand? 

How much longer must Governor Zoir Mirzaev, now three years into his role, remain in office before addressing such issues? QALAMPIR.UZ awaits responses from the ministry and regional officials.