On August 5, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education held a presentation of the 'President's Gift' for first-graders for the 2026-2027 academic year. A Gazeta correspondent attended the event and received answers to questions about the contents of the schoolbag and its weight.
The backpack for first-graders contains 12 types of school supplies. As a novelty, the ministry added a keychain featuring state symbols (coat of arms and flag). However, officials did not yet respond to questions about the cost of the supplies.
According to the ministry's press service, a survey was conducted among parents whose children entered first grade last year to assess the quality of the supplies. Most respondents rated the quality positively.
Farhod Alimardonov, head of a ministry department, said that 16 textbooks and 8 exercise books have been prepared for first-graders. Some textbooks are divided by quarters of the academic year. For example, the 'Mathematics' textbook consists of 4 parts.
According to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 726, textbooks for grades 1-4 must not exceed 400 grams in weight. The heaviest textbook this year is 'Tarbiya' (Education) at 346 grams.
The schoolbag will be heavier on Wednesdays compared to other days. The total weight of the 'Mathematics', 'Alifbe', 'Writing Lesson', and 'Tarbiya' books and workbooks is 1,236 grams. Including the backpack, the weight reaches 1,650 grams.
'If you carry textbooks for other days, additional items, food, or a water bottle in the backpack, its usual weight may increase,' said Farhod Alimardonov.
School supplies will be fully delivered to all schools by August 25, according to the number of enrolled students. The 'President's Gift' will also be given to children entering first grade at more than 800 non-governmental educational institutions in Uzbekistan.
'There are special schools for children with special educational needs in the republic, and presidential gifts have been prepared for them as well. These supplies may differ slightly. For example, supplies adapted for visually impaired and blind children are provided,' said Erkin Murodov, head of a ministry department.
However, the presentation did not display school supplies prepared for students with disabilities.
According to the ministry, in the 2026-2027 academic year, more than 6.7 million students will study in 10,225 general education schools across the republic. More than 795,000 children are planned to be admitted to first grade, with 680,000 already admitted as of August 5. The process will continue until September 1.
On the same day, the ministry demonstrated preparation for the academic process using the example of School No. 202 in Chilanzar district. Amenities include classrooms decorated with balloons, special chairs and desks for primary school students, a hand-washing corner, a water cooler, toilets inside the school (separate for disabled individuals), and other conveniences.
Source: www.gazeta.uz