In accordance with President Biden's call during the C5+1 meeting of the UN General Assembly to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are taken into account in all areas of the C5+1 participating country, as well as in support of the goal of the Government of Uzbekistan to ensure that at least 51% of schools are inclusive by 2025, this program will lay the foundations for more an inclusive education system and will improve the basic skills of young students, including children with disabilities.
Today's announcement is based on the achievements of USAID's partnership with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education to improve education in such core subjects as English, information and communication technologies, reading and mathematics. Since 2019, the United States has invested more than $40 million through USAID to support educational opportunities in Uzbekistan.
As part of the new initiative, USAID will unite the efforts of the government, teachers, parents, people with disabilities and civil society to test and scale evidence-based teaching methods and inclusive education that help children from kindergarten to fifth grade (K-5) learn most effectively. Efforts will focus on the revision of teaching materials in order to integrate the principles of inclusive education; improving the professional development of teachers, school leaders and other experts to better support a wide range of educational needs; as well as working closely with the Government of Uzbekistan to develop policies, procedures and practices that contribute to the development of inclusive education throughout the country.
An inclusive education system allows all children to learn and develop in an environment that meets their needs. USAID is committed to working with our partners to provide inclusive, high-quality and fair education for every student in Uzbekistan. Ultimately, this will provide all children with the necessary basic skills that they will need to one day become full participants in society and contribute to the future of Uzbekistan.
