The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated an additional $5.3 million to develop school education in Uzbekistan.

These funds are allocated as new funding to the existing grant agreement with the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan (MoPE), under which the US side is to invest $55 million in support of the authorities' ambitious program for a comprehensive reform of the general secondary education system until 2026. 

"Education is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and improving health, equality, peace and stability. When children and youth are ready to go to school, learn, and acquire the skills they need to live and work, they can build a better future for themselves, their families, their communities, and their country. I am confident that as we continue our close working relationship, we will ensure that this additional USAID investment will support the Ministry in achieving its education reform goals," said USAID Mission Director Michaela Meredith.

The new funding will be used to support ongoing programs. USAID is working with the Ministry of Public Education to improve English and Uzbek language, mathematics, and information and communication technology instruction, teacher training, and the provision of textbooks, workbooks, and teacher manuals.

The additional funding will also support USAID's work with MNOs to teach students in grades 8-11 the entrepreneurial and economic skills needed to secure and create jobs in the economy of the future.