It is universally recognized that a well-qualified and supported workforce who have opportunities for ongoing professional learning is key to quality preschool education. Between 15 and 19 June 2026 ICDI’s Margaret Kernan along with Mihaela Ionescu from ISSA and Zorica Trikic facilitated a five-day Master Mentor Training of Trainers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The training is part of the establishment of Uzbekistan’s National Preschool Mentoring System, which is being supported by the UNICEF Office in Uzbekistan, ISTTI and Ministry of Preschool and School Education[1]. The participants were 28 experienced professionals from all regions in Uzbekistan and included trainers from teacher training institutions, deputy directors of preschool institutions, inspectors, former inspectors, and other educational specialists. They will play a central role in supporting the implementation of the mentoring system nationwide.
The five-day programme was designed as a progressive learning journey to equip participants to become both mentors and facilitators of future mentor training. Participants explored the foundations of mentoring and applied mentoring skills in practice. It included structured reflection activities; case study analysis; role plays and simulations; action planning and self-assessment role plays and simulations and peer feedback. Participants also developed a strong understanding of mentoring as a key mechanism for supporting implementation of the Ilk Qadam curriculum and broader quality reforms within the preschool system in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The first Regional Mentor Training for preschool professionals in the Tashkent region is already taking place this week. Five further Regional Mentor Trainings will take place during the remainder of 2026. These will be important milestones in the development of a sustainable mentoring system, which will strengthen preschool practice, and ultimately improving learning and development outcomes for young children across Uzbekistan.
The National Preschool Mentoring System is being developed and implemented within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Arab Coordination Group (ACG), and Global Partnership for Education (GPE) co-funded SmartED project.
[1] ISSA signed a partnership with UNICEF Uzbekistan to provide technical assistance in the development and introduction of a mentoring system in the preschool system in Uzbekistan. The technical assistance is coordinated by ISSA and provided in partnership with ICDI.
