On February 20, 2024, USAID Mission Director David Hoffman, along with relevant Government of Uzbekistan (GOU) stakeholders, launched the five-year USAID All Children Succeeding program in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event gathered ministries and government agencies, UN organizations, disabled persons organizations, and international education experts.
The Government of Uzbekistan has taken decisive action to secure the rights of children with disabilities. USAID’s All Children Succeeding offers support for three essential areas related to inclusive education: accessible and inclusive teaching and learning materials, teacher practice and school atmosphere, and sustainable policies developed together with key stakeholders, including educators and people with disabilities.
Distinguished guests, including Mansurbek Ollooyorov, Director of the National Agency for Social Protection of Uzbekistan, Khilola Umarova, Minister of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan, Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, David Hoffman, USAID/Uzbekistan Mission Director, and Leland Kruvant, President and CEO of Creative Associates International, delivered remarks. They underscored the critical role of a collaborative, comprehensive, sustainable, and scalable approach to ensuring the success of every child in Uzbekistan.
In his address, David Hoffman highlighted the immense potential inherent in every child and emphasized the collective responsibility to create educational opportunities that enable each child to thrive and realize their full potential.
USAID plans to provide $25 million over five years to the All Children Succeeding program. The program 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, Praxis Plus, and the Nationwide Movement ‘Yuksalish’.
As a conclusion to the event, Creative Associates International, the National Agency for Social Protection, 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 an agreement highlighting their joint commitment to work collaboratively toward providing 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 foundational skills of young students, including children with disabilities.
