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Improving Education in Uzbekistan Through Information Technology

September 15, 2003

IREX recently began administering two programs that provide computer equipment and training to schools in Uzbekistan. The programs build upon IREX's tradition of using information technology to improve educational opportunities for Eurasian communities.

"We used to receive newspapers and magazines from Russia during the Soviet Union. Now we don't get them any more. This program can give us access to more information about what is going on in the world. We can use the Internet to find out how other communities are dealing with the kinds of problems we face" he continued.

-Mahalla Representative in the Andijan Oblast

The School Connectivity for Uzbekistan program, which is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State, uses technology to develop the skills of secondary school teachers to incorporate critical thinking activities and student-centered teaching methodologies into classroom lessons. The program creates and maintains a network of 60 computer centers in 6 targeted regions; Andijan, Ferghana, Karshi, Namangan, Nukus, and Termez.

The Computers for Schools in Uzbekistan, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provides computer equipment and training to more than 100 primary and secondary schools in Uzbekistan.

Both programs build on IREX’s work to promote Internet access and computer training in Uzbekistan under ECA's Internet and Access Training Program (IATP). Currently, there are 16 IATP access sites in Uzbekistan. In addition to Internet access, the sites offer a variety of training courses and seminars related to computers, website publishing, and professional development. The IATP sites also offer website hosting services.

Together the programs work to fill the information void in the region by empowering local students, educators, and professionals with the equipment and skills necessary to utilize current information technology. "We used to receive newspapers and magazines from Russia during the Soviet Union. Now we don't get them any more," said one mahalla representative in the Andijan oblast after attending a School Connectivity for Uzbekistan recruitment seminar. "This program can give us access to more information about what is going on in the world. We can use the Internet to find out how other communities are dealing with the kinds of problems we face" he continued.

IREX has worked to develop computer skills and Internet access in Eurasia for over a decade.

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