World Bank Document

WBG will remain engaged in quality improvement of public education and health 

services. While Uzbekistan’s children enjoy nearly universal access to essential health and 

nutrition, the 25 percent national enrollment rate in early childhood care and education is low by 

international standards. Second, while access to general secondary education is nearly universal, 

learning outcomes and the quality of education vary by region, with schools in rural areas faring 

worse in terms of available teaching and learning materials, quality of infrastructure, and student 

outcomes. Third, Uzbekistan’s higher education system is characterized by low access, weak 

quality assurance, and insufficient linkages with employers. For example, 73 percent of firms 

surveyed in 2008 indicated that workers’ education posed an obstacle in doing business. The WBG 

will seek to encourage innovative approaches in improving quality assurance systems and 

strengthening the learning environment in higher education institutions. It would focus on 

improving access to early childhood education in rural areas and strengthening quality assurance 

systems for secondary and tertiary education in order to improve learning outcomes and labor 

market relevance. Progress will be measured by monitoring increased enrolment in early childhood 

education and the increase in labor market relevance of higher education received by students, 

civil society, and firms through regular surveys.  

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