Sector Assistance Program Evaluation on Education in Uzbekistan

ESDP (policy loan). 
As mentioned earlier, the NPPT encouraged the government to 
continue engaging in policy reforms in the sector. Specifically, it helped implement the second 
phase of NPPT. It also helped develop and implement NPBED that was introduced in 2004. It 
ensured that the government would streamline the structure of education, and would rationalize 
staffing, and physical and financial resource allocations based on demand and equity. ESDP 
also contributed to improving the quality of education for the poor and vulnerable students, by 
rehabilitating schools and boarding facilities, providing financial and food assistance, and 
46
ADB. 2008. Validation Report of the Senior Secondary Education Project in Uzbekistan. Manila. 

---

26 
incentives for teachers to work in rural areas. Service conditions, including teacher salaries, 
improved as a result of education reforms carried out under ESDP.
82. 
The government conducted a comprehensive national survey of all schools in 2004. An 
electronic database was compiled on several variables, including infrastructure, teachers’ 
profiles, the socioeconomic background of the community, student profiles. The database has 
been uploaded to the MOPE website, and is updated annually. Education reforms in 
Uzbekistan, however, continue to be at their initial stages. As noted by the PCR, the weak 
areas include the government’s inability to improve internal coordination, reduce 
fragmentation, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency in planning policy formulations in 
the education sector (para. 52). The policy loan is rated effective in achieving its objectives 
and outcomes. The policy loan was effective in supporting the government’s efforts to 
modernize its education system, align it to international norms and develop it toward a free-
market economy by achieving the outcomes of the four policy directions. However, certain 
curriculum-related activities under ESDP could not be accomplished and are now expected to 
be carried out under STDP. The ESDP is rated effective. 
83.