Uzbekistan to Establish Central Asia’s First Early Learning Center

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in Tashkent to establish the first Regional Research and Innovation Center for Early Learning in Central Asia.

The agreement was concluded between the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Reggio Children Foundation (Fondazione Reggio Children).

The document was signed by the Minister of Preschool and School Education, E’zozkhon Karimova; UNICEF Representative Regina Maria Castillo; and Director General of the Reggio Children Foundation, Cristian Fabbri.

According to UNICEF representatives, the center will focus on innovation in teacher professional development, support for educational research, and the implementation of high-quality, child-centered learning. Special emphasis will be placed on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and socio-emotional skills from an early age.

The center will introduce new approaches, including play-based learning, socio-emotional education, and climate change awareness. Close collaboration is planned with public and private preschools across Central Asia interested in adopting the Reggio Emilia approach, recognized globally as a leading model in early childhood education.

“This is a natural step in our reform process aimed at ensuring that every child receives quality education from the earliest years,” said Lola Berdieva, Director of the Department for Coordination of Preschool Education under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.

UNICEF and Reggio Children leaders noted that the creation of the center opens new opportunities to enhance the quality and inclusivity of preschool education both in Uzbekistan and across the region.