Uzbekistan to establish “New Generation” kindergartens

State-run kindergartens under the name “New Generation” will be established in Uzbekistan. This was announced on February 4 as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed new proposals aimed at further developing the preschool education system.

Preschool education is considered a crucial stage in children’s intellectual, social, and moral development. In recent years, significant progress has been made in this sector, with kindergarten enrollment reaching 78 percent. The goal is now to increase this figure to 80 percent.

At present, preschool enrollment remains low in some districts and cities, and many caregivers lack sufficient qualifications. For this reason, the need has arisen to elevate the preschool education system to a new level.

Under the new framework, one-year school preparation groups will become mandatory and will be regarded as the first stage of formal schooling. This measure is intended to better prepare children for school. The educational process will introduce play-based learning methods, taking into account children’s interests and abilities.

In addition, state kindergartens named “New Generation” will be established. Between 2026 and 2028, 120-seat kindergartens of this type will be opened in each region, and they will include child development centers. These kindergartens will employ additional managers and instructor-educators. Managers and teachers will receive a 20 percent salary bonus.

Private kindergartens will also be allowed to open school preparation groups. This is expected to enhance competition and help increase enrollment coverage.

Special attention will be paid to training teaching staff. Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, educational programs at pedagogical universities will be aligned with international standards. Caregivers with secondary specialized education will be given opportunities to obtain higher education while continuing to work.

From the 2027–2028 academic year, children who complete school preparation groups will be issued electronic certificates, and this information will be recorded in school documentation.

A number of incentives will also be introduced to support private kindergartens. In areas with low enrollment coverage:

• kindergartens opened on state-owned land will be exempt from rent payments for up to 30 years;
• state subsidies will be provided for each enrolled child;
• preferential loans will be allocated for private kindergartens with a capacity of 150 children;
• the salaries of caregivers will be covered by the state for three years.

In addition, these incentives will apply to private kindergartens opened on the ground floors of new residential buildings. Large private kindergartens will also receive social tax benefits until 2030.

The President emphasized the importance of thoroughly developing these proposals and implementing them in stages to improve the quality of preschool education.

Jamshidbek Amirov