The Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan and UNESCO are launching a joint project to prevent bullying in schools in Uzbekistan. Deputy Minister of Public Education of Uzbekistan, Atabek Nazirov, received Ms. Pilara Alvarez-Laso, Acting Head of UNESCO Country Office in Uzbekistan, at the Ministry of Public Education. In December 2018, the Ministry awarded Ms. Pilar Alvarez-Laso a badge “Talim Homiysi” (Education Sponsor).

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues related to launch of a project on preventing bullying among school students. Atabek Nazirov also expressed special gratitude to UNESCO for assistance in the implementation of this project.

Bullying is intentional, constant harassment among children, in which the inequality of the abuser’s forces is clearly visible. There are many kinds of harassment, such as psychological, physical, open or imperceptible. In most cases, children do not admit that they have a conflict in school. Children could hide bullying for many reasons as they can be insulted, teased, bullied or intimidated, forced to do something unpleasant, etc. This phenomenon is far from a new problem and is highly relevant throughout the world, including in Uzbekistan.

The project, jointly with UNESCO, aims to prevent the above cases in general education schools in our country and will be implemented in 2019-2020. As part of this initiative, a number of practical and theoretical activities will be held for psychologists and school teachers, including trainings and seminars, to identify harassment factors and develop recommendations for their prevention.

According to the results of the work carried out, a methodological manual for teachers on “Preventing bullying in educational institutions” will be developed. The methodology will provide guidance on effective conflict resolution and instilling leadership skills among children. It should be emphasized that this project is one of the first steps taken by the Ministry of Public Education, drawing on the experience of international partners.

Also during the talks, the parties discussed possible areas of cooperation and implementation of joint projects, with the involvement of other international organizations and donors, on development of inclusive education, enhancing the potential of the staff of the public education system, etc.

The Ministry has created a group for implementation of this project and launched a Telegram-bot (@xtvabbot) with the help of which it will be possible to obtain additional information about programs of the Ministry for Public Education of Uzbekistan for preventing bullying in schools.