32 leaders and educators fired following complaints in 2024

In 2024, 32 leaders and educators were dismissed due to complaints about mistreatment of children. This was announced on March 6 by the Minister of Preschool and School Education, Hilola Umarova, at a meeting with officials from the state and non-governmental education system.

The meeting was attended by heads of more than 38,000 state and non-governmental preschools across the country. According to Umarova, the number of preschools has increased by eight times in recent years, rising from 38,000 in 2017 to 77,000 currently. Of these, around 31,000 are non-governmental institutions, training about 1 million children.

It was noted that various videos and messages circulated about some educators mistreating children. Last year alone, the ministry received hundreds of complaints on this issue. Following investigations, 32 educators were dismissed, and licenses of 15 private preschools were revoked.

"As mentioned at the meeting, we must not forget an important aspect: we are shaping the future generation, raising broad-minded and independent youth. Every specialist working with children must feel this responsibility. The state guarantees a healthy and harmonious upbringing for each child. This applies equally to state institutions, public-private partnerships, and private preschools—everyone must comply with the law and procedures," the minister stated.

She emphasized that educators must not use force. Any educator found mistreating children will face legal action. Mere warnings will not suffice, and the personal responsibility of preschool management will be reinforced. All leaders, educators, and support staff working in the system must understand and follow this order.

"We have received written suggestions and are already addressing the issues raised by active leaders. We will continue organizing such meetings. Our team is always ready to listen to proposals and concerns," the minister added.

Earlier, in the Jambay district of the Samarkand region, an educator who mistreated children was dismissed and fined three times the basic calculation amount.