SDG1: No Poverty
Proportion of students receiving financial aid to attend university because of poverty
At Bukhara State University, financial aid is provided to students who, based on the definition of the government, are recognized as children of low-income families, children of families in the “Iron register”**, and orphans (deprived of both or one of the parents). Bukhara State University has various financial aid programs based on governmental acts. As per the Resolution of the Cabinet of the Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan #605 on March 24, 2021, 6214 students from low-income families received financial aid to cover rent fees, As per the Resolution of the Cabinet of the Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan #585 on September 17, 2021, 13 orphan students received 45 567 600 UZS (4060 USD) to cover the first year tuition fee and 11 orphan students received 13 500 000 UZS (1202 USD) to purchase study materials and textbooks. In addition, students who study for excellent grades and actively participate in social volunteering activities and public affairs get monetary incentives from the university. In 2022, 169 students received monetary rewards for excellent marks and active involvement in social events.
University anti-poverty programmes
As per the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan #4319 on May 14, 2019, the university allocates quotes for admission without entrance examination for people from low-income households, deprived of both or one parent, and orphanage pupils. The quota allows students to study for free till graduation. The total number of quotes across the country equals one per cent of the total quotes for grant recipients who earn the highest scores at the entrance examination. In 2023, Bukhara State University granted 5 quotas to enter the university. All quota recipients are targeted to graduate from the university through support which includes additional courses, after-class training and various extracurricular activities.
The university actively works with students from low-income households. To organise their free time effectively, the university has launched mentorship programs and training for students who struggle to study certain subjects. Students can participate in training courses in computer literacy, programming, English writing skills, art, STEM subjects etc. The university teachers conduct mentorship programs and training courses for which they earn extra wages. Having participated in training courses, most students demonstrated positive changes in their studies. The faculty of economics and tourism carries out online courses for students who are unable to attend training courses on campus. The Youth Union within the university, organises mentorship courses in mental arithmetics to encourage students to expose their minds to uncommon cognitive tasks and raise mental flexibility.
Community anti-poverty programmes
Local start-up assistance
Bukhara State University actively supports start-ups that aim to develop technological solutions with reduced carbon emissions. The university supports students with innovative ideas to participate in competitions with monetary awards.
- “The TechnoWays” marathon is a university competition in which students can participate in their scientific and innovative startup projects. the best three projects are granted with funds from the university budget. The marathon is aimed at stimulating scientific and technical creativity and inventiveness among the participants in the areas of scientific and innovative projects, increasing innovative activity and supporting the creation of new techniques, technologies and competitive products. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/38389
- The university supports applications for the presidential tech award that funds the first three best projects. The President Tech Award is a competition for the best digital products in 5 main directions and 1 special direction. The purpose of this is to attract the attention of young people to the field of IT technologies and inspire them to create innovative solutions and developments that can compete in the global market. https://awards.gov.uz/president-tech-award/#home
- In collaboration with The Innovative Development Agency, Bukhara State University organizes an annual competition named “Prospective Scholar”. This competition aims to support students with innovative ideas addressing fields such as renewable energy, educational technology, and learning game applications. https://innovation.gov.uz/en/contest/post-1675 https://t.me/buxdu_uz/47477
Programmes for services access
Bukhara State University has performed several activities to reach energy efficiency on the campus and beyond by organizing workshops and researching renewable energy.
- On 2 May 2023, the university held a workshop about energy efficiency which was organized in collaboration with regional prosecution, the regional department of justice, the regional department of gas supply, and the regional department of electricity supply. The workshop was attended by university staff and residents who received insights into how gas and electricity use can be efficiently minimized. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/43474
- Corruption Resistance Training: In collaboration with local government bodies, BukhSU held a series of training sessions on fighting corruption. These sessions were part of a five-day practical course aimed at developing anti-corruption strategies among public officials from various districts. The training included lectures by university professors and government representatives, culminating in the awarding of special certificates to participants. Future plans include creating an online platform for continuous professional development in this area.
- Republican Training Seminar on “Safe and Prosperous Neighborhoods” A significant training seminar was held at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, focusing on the principle of “Safe and Prosperous Neighborhoods.” This seminar aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the “Beshlik” system in preventing crime and ensuring public safety. BukhSU’s Vice-Rector, Azizbek Amonov, participated as a trainer and was awarded a certificate for his contributions. This seminar not only provided valuable knowledge on community safety but also highlighted the role of educational institutions in promoting social well-being. By participating in such events, BukhSU demonstrates its commitment to public safety and community engagement, extending its educational resources and expertise beyond the university.
Policy addressing poverty
Bukhara State University runs projects that aim to reduce poverty within the campus and in the community. Accounting to the “Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy”:
- Bukhara State University is dedicated to treating all members of the university community with fairness, respect and dignity. We are committed to eradicating discrimination, harassment and prejudice in any form and we pledge to provide an equal opportunity for every student, faculty member and staff member to participate fully in the university’s academic and social life.
- We strive to provide an inclusive approach to learning and teaching that accommodates diverse learning styles and needs. Our academic programs and teaching practices will be designed to ensure that every student can engage effectively, regardless of their background or abilities.
To address ending poverty, Bukhara State University aims to raise employability among the graduates and citizens of the local community by hosting regular job fairs called “Career Day”. Job fairs are held in collaboration with the regional department of reducing poverty and employment. At the venue, students can get information about companies from various fields of interest that introduce working conditions, employer expectations, and social benefits. 120 companies offered their vacant positions and more than 3000 students attended to inquire about employment at the job fair on April 23 2023. The companies presented vacancies in public education, preschool education, medicine, food industry, agriculture, and construction.
The “Reducing Poverty and Employment” department is a state body responsible for developing the policy addressing ending poverty. Bukhara State University cooperates with the department in raising employability by analysing the job market, redesigning curriculums and informing about recent changes in legal acts related to Labor. On April 19 2023, the university hosted a seminar organized by the Department of Reducing Poverty which presented recent updates in the labour code and highlighted improvements for current employees and benefits for newly graduated candidates.