Primary school years
Although primary school enrolment is high (at 88% net according to SOWC 2005), attendance is significantly lower (78%, source: SOWC 2005), particularly in rural areas, as a result of rising indirect costs (such as books, meals, clothing and transportation) lower perceived benefits, a decline in school facilities and a need for children to contribute to household income. Children with special needs are particularly affected. • Many schools, particularly in rural areas, do not have adequate sanitation facilities and access to safe water • Almost 3,600 children are missing out on educational opportunities as a result of being placed in orphanages (source: Ministry of Public Education). In the past they were placed there after losing both parents, however, now economic hardship is the reason for most children being institutionalized • The number of children with disabilities increased from 70,000 in 1996 to 132,000 in 2003 (source: Ministry of Health - this figure is due partly to improved reporting, however, the real figure is probably higher due to many being unregistered as a result of the stigma attached to disability in Uzbekistan) and the number in special schools was 19,626 at the end of 2003. Disabled children are educated separately and are often denied their rights to access education at all and social integration • Children are underweight and stunted or suffering from iron, iodine and vitamin A deficiencies as a result of poor nutrition. • The official number of street children doubled between 2001 and 2004, to reach a total of 5,400 (source: Centre of Social-legal Assistance). No data exists to enable analysis of causality. • By the end of 2003, the noted around 40 cases of human trafficking, 10% of which were juveniles (source: Ministry of Internal Affairs)
However, the government, with UNICEF support are making significant progress: • Child-friendly schools are being established and Global Education introduced to the curriculum of pilot schools in 2004, These initiatives promote a new curriculum and teaching methods, based upon life skills, participation and interactive teaching methods. • Hygiene and sanitation facilities are being upgraded, particularly in rural areas of Khorezm and Karakalpakstan. Over 100,000 school children have so far benefited from upgraded toilets, a majority of whom are girls, as inadequate school sanitation facilities were previously one of the reasons for the relatively poor attendance of girls. • Family Resource Centres have been established. This unique community-based model on prevention of children from institutionalization, provided women with a chance to believe in themselves, their ability to take care of their children and a strong desire to raise their children by themselves instead of placing them in institutions. This is one of numerous measures being taken to de-institutionalize children. • Family Education has been introduced, to involve parents and other family members in the upbringing of children. The FE programme provides all family members with information on health, nutrition, environmental hygiene and education and encourages them to create a more child-centred family environment. • Introduction of legislation to address issues such as child trafficking, child labour, domestic violence against children and on children with disabilities.
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