The World Bank has approved financial support to the government of Uzbekistan to improve learning outcomes in primary schools across six regions and create conditions for students to acquire basic skills, the bank's press service reported.
The financial support package includes $100 million in concessional financing from the International Development Association (IDA), part of the World Bank Group. These funds will be directed to the implementation of the 'Transforming School Education for Economic Growth' (BILIM) program in Uzbekistan.
Additionally, the program will receive a $5 million grant from the International Financing Facility for Education (IFFEd), marking the first collaboration between IFFEd and the World Bank.
According to the World Bank, rapid population growth and internal migration have placed significant strain on public school infrastructure in Uzbekistan. The number of school students is expected to exceed 7.6 million by 2026. To meet growing demand, the government needs to build around 300 new schools annually across the country.
The bank estimates that primary school enrollment in Uzbekistan currently exceeds 99%. However, student learning outcomes, particularly in reading and mathematics, remain low compared to international standards. Teaching methods and the professional development system for pedagogical staff also require significant improvement.
The total cost of the BILIM program is $378 million, financed by the government of Uzbekistan ($273 million), the World Bank's IDA ($100 million in concessional financing), and IFFEd ($5 million grant). The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education and the Ministry of Economy and Finance in six regions of Uzbekistan.
The program covers schools and teacher training institutions in Khorezm, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara, and Navoi regions, as well as the Republic of Karakalpakstan. These regions account for about 45% of all schools in the country and face some of the most serious challenges in children's education and acute shortages of school infrastructure.
By 2030, the BILIM program is expected to deliver progress in three main areas: improving teacher professional skills, enhancing learning materials, and upgrading school infrastructure. These measures are expected to benefit approximately 2 million children in grades 1-4 of primary school, half of whom are girls.
Naji Benhassine, World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, stated: 'Strengthening foundational skills in primary school—including reading, mathematics, and socio-emotional skills—is critical for further strengthening Uzbekistan's human capital and socio-economic development. The BILIM program will help the government invest in developing basic skills for schoolchildren.'
Source: www.gazeta.uz