The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over 33 high-quality, internationally-sourced English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks and teacher’s guides to the Ministry of Public Education for use during the 2022-2023 academic year. The Ministry of Public Education printed the new textbooks for over 6.5 million students, ensuring that all pupils have access to high-quality learning materials and that all of Uzbekistan’s EFL teachers have high-quality teacher’s guides to support instruction.

“The nationwide distribution of these new English as a Foreign Language books marks an important milestone in USAID’s partnership with the Ministry of Public Education. Our continued collaboration contributes to the ambitious aims of Uzbekistan’s English-Speaking Nation Initiative and our shared goal to enhance the English language skills of Uzbekistan's youth so that they are better prepared for future education and employment,” said Luann Gronhovd, Education Office Director at USAID’s Mission in Uzbekistan.

During the 2021-2022 school year, the EFL teaching and learning materials were piloted in over 200 schools in the Namangan and Sirdaryo regions. The pilot included training for approximately 800 teachers on the use of these new materials and student-centered teaching practices that emphasize authentic language learning. Educators and academics from Uzbekistan also contributed to adapting the EFL materials to Uzbekistan’s unique context.

In preparation for the nationwide rollout, USAID trained master trainers from 14 regions in Uzbekistan. These master trainers then trained other trainers who worked directly with EFL teachers throughout Uzbekistan. Through this cascade model, all of Uzbekistan’s English teachers will be fully trained in the use of the new teaching and learning materials and student-centered teaching practices that emphasize authentic language learning by the start of the 2022-2023 school year. This training, combined with the new textbooks and teacher’s guides, will ensure that students in Grade 1-11 English courses receive improved instruction that reflects international best practices.