President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the regional social services center “Imkoniyatlar olami” (“World of Opportunities”) in the city of Andijan to review the conditions created there.

In line with the Constitution and the national social protection strategy, Uzbekistan continues to expand the principle of “human being – the highest value”, making social services increasingly accessible to those in need. As part of these efforts, on February 27 this year, the Presidential Decree “On additional measures for further improving the system of providing social services and assistance to children with disabilities” was adopted. In accordance with this decree, the “World of Opportunities” became the first regional social services center to open in Andijan.

The center is situated on nearly 5 hectares of land. It includes an administrative building, inclusive education and vocational training facilities, a children’s playground, a sports complex, and a swimming pool.

The center provides services to children with disabilities and individuals needing continuous care. These services include social and medical rehabilitation, vocational guidance, foreign language instruction, and supplementary education for children from low-income families.

The center has more than 60 staff members. The Inson public service centers identify those in need and refer them to the center.

The President also became acquainted with the country’s first early intervention service, a unique initiative in Uzbekistan. This unit specializes in supporting children from birth to the age of three. Previously, such children remained solely under parental care, as specialized institutions only accepted children from the age of three. Now, if a risk of disability is detected during pregnancy, expectant mothers can receive assistance and consultations at the center, enhancing care for the child from the earliest stages. Psychological support is also provided.

The Head of state toured the facilities for supplementary education. Here, children with disabilities can engage in extracurricular activities and access the internet. In addition, children from families listed in the low-income registry can study English, Russian, Korean, and other languages free of charge.

It is worth noting that since the beginning of this year, nearly 10,000 children from low-income families in Andijan region have been enrolled in kindergartens, around 29,000 have received medical assistance, and 20,000 have been provided with social services.

The center also offers a daycare service. People with disabilities participate in physical and cognitive activities, and their family members can work with the support of social workers.

The center’s beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the President, noting that they had found their way back to life thanks to such care and attention.

“Behind this care lie your health, your struggles, and the concerns of your loved ones. It brings me joy to see hope and interest in life awakening within you. We will continue to expand this kind of support. What is needed from you is patience, faith, and determination”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The center also includes a sports complex, featuring a gym for therapeutic physical training and a swimming pool adapted for children with disabilities. The equipment, sourced from the United States and other countries, meets international standards for adaptive sports.

The President emphasized the importance of improving the health of children with disabilities and involving the older generation in activities suited to their abilities and interests.

UzA