Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power visited a school in Tashkent as part of her visit to Uzbekistan and announced a new initiative designed to help improve the quality of teaching, materials and support every child needs to success in school, with an investment of USUS$4.5 million in the first year.

In line 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 country, and in support of the Government of Uzbekistan’s goal to have at least 51% of schools be inclusive by 2025, this program will lay the foundations for a more inclusive education system and improve the basic skills of young students, including children with disabilities.

Today’s announcement builds on USAID’s partnership with the Department of Early Childhood Education to improve learning in core subjects such as English, information and communications technology, reading, and mathematics. Since 2019, the United States, through USAID, has invested more than US$40 million to support educational opportunities in Uzbekistan.

Through the new initiative, USAID will bring together government, educators, parents, people with disabilities, and civil society to test and scale evidence-based teaching methods and inclusive education that help children in kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) learn most effectively. Efforts will be focused on revising teaching and learning materials 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; and working closely with the Government of Uzbekistan to develop policies, procedures and practices that promote 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 equitable education for every student in Uzbekistan. Ultimately, this will provide all children with the necessary basic skills they will need to one day become full participants in society and contribute to the future of Uzbekistan.