Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 20 February 2024, USAID Uzbekistan Mission Director David Hoffman, together with relevant government partner organizations, launched the five-year USAID Every Child Succeeds program in Tashkent. 

The event brought together heads of ministries and departments, UN organizations, representatives of public organizations of persons with disabilities, as well as international experts in the field of education.

The government of Uzbekistan has taken decisive action to ensure the rights of children with special educational needs. USAID’s Every Child Succeeds program offers support in three key areas related to inclusive education: accessible and inclusive teaching materials, building teacher practices and school environments, and sustainable policies developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including educators and people with disabilities.

Guests and participants of the event, including the Director of the National Social Protection Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mansurbek Olloyorov, the Minister of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan Hilola Umarova, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan Kongratbai Sharipov, the Director of the USAID Mission in Uzbekistan David Hoffman, and Leland Kruvant, President and CEO of Creative Associates International, gave welcoming remarks. In their speeches, they emphasized the critical role of a collaborative, integrated and sustainable approach to ensure the success of every child in Uzbekistan.

In his address, David Hoffman noted the enormous potential within every child and emphasized the collective responsibility to create educational opportunities that allow all children to develop and reach their full potential.

USAID plans to provide US$25 million over five years for the Every Child Succeeds program. The project will be implemented by Creative Associates International in partnership with the American Councils for International Education, the Center on Disability and Inclusion at Syracuse University (USA), Praxis Plus and the nationwide Yuksalish movement.

Following the event, Creative Associates International, the National Social Protection Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a cooperation agreement.

The document emphasized the common desire to work together to provide quality inclusive education and social support to all children in Uzbekistan. This shared commitment will lay the foundation for a more inclusive education system and improve the basic skills of school students, including children with disabilities.