The 'New Generation' kindergartens being established in Uzbekistan differ from ordinary ones only in their play areas – innovation centers. This was announced at a press conference on April 21 by Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education Sherzod Karimov.

In February, it was reported that Uzbekistan would launch the first 'New Generation' kindergartens with innovative child development centers as a continuation of the Presidential Schools initiative. The first examples will open in Tashkent and Karakalpakstan, with plans to cover all regions of Uzbekistan by 2028.

At the press conference, a journalist asked whether these kindergartens would cause stratification like the Presidential Schools. Karimov replied 'no'.

'There will be no stratification in this kindergarten. Why? Because there is no selection mechanism. This kindergarten will operate just like any other new kindergarten in the neighborhood,' the deputy minister said.

Karimov emphasized that it is time to focus on the quality of kindergartens. 'If for 10 years we only spent efforts on creating capacity, now it is time to work on quality,' he stated.

The deputy minister added that there are no changes in admission procedures and no exams. 'A child from that microdistrict, if there are available places, is admitted,' Karimov explained.

'The difference between 'New Generation' kindergartens and ordinary ones is the play areas – innovation centers,' the deputy minister noted.

He also answered a question about issuing certificates to graduates of state kindergartens. 'No, the certificate is not specifically related to 'New Generation' kindergartens. The certificate issue is general and concerns six-year-olds,' Karimov said.

Source: www.gazeta.uz