FEP is being implemented by the Government of Uzbekistan with technical support from UNICEF Uzbekistan in response to the country’s need to empower families to address issues that affect children’s health, growth and development. The project gives an excellent opportunity to reach all families to improve early childhood development and child rearing practices in communities.

Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan initiated implementation of the FEP in 2003 initially in six Makhallas in three Rayons of the Country. The programme gradually expanded to six Regions of the Country with the active support and contributions of local authorities, community advisers, health workers and preschool teachers. The Conference is being held to discuss progress so far been made, lessons learned, and potentials for expansion of the FEP to all the Regions of the Country during the next phase of six years of collaboration between UNICEF and the Government of Uzbekistan.

“As the needs of families are changing, so is the family education programme. The FEP programme offers an unique opportunity to reach to the families with appropriate messages,”- said Mahboob Shareef, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “Experts here will refocus on importance of the FEP to better meet families needs and further develop early learning standards for Uzbekistan’s children.”

FEP National Conference will serve as an excellent advocacy and communication tool for further project development and expansion. Through presentations, focus group discussions, exhibitions and informal communication there will be an invaluable opportunity created for experience exchange among FEP experts, trainers, volunteers, Government representatives from pilot regions, and districts, representatives from Women’s Committee, Ministry of Public Education and Ministry of Health, community leaders, as well as among other interested specialists, local and international organizations.

FEP National Conference is seen as a bridge to link the communities with ongoing programs being implemented by State organizations, NGOs, national and international organizations. The conference will also provide a good basis for UNICEF and partners to deliberate on potential synergies, comparative advantages and common opportunities to improve the situation of young children in Uzbekistan.