As Teacher’s Day, traditionally celebrated on October 1st, approaches, the issue of collecting money from parents for gifts to teachers has resurfaced in Tashkent. In some schools, the amounts reach significant figures — starting from 100,000 soums and higher. This practice has sparked discontent and outrage among parents who are being confronted with these illegal demands.

Despite official bans and government statements, the collection of money for gifts to teachers continues in some schools. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has repeatedly emphasized that any monetary collections in educational institutions are illegal. However, in certain schools, parents receive messages in messengers about the necessity to collect a specific amount for a teacher’s gift. These «initiatives» usually come from parents, but often, hidden demands from school administrations are behind them.

Many parents express dissatisfaction with this practice, viewing it as a form of coercion.
«When they tell you that everyone has already contributed, and you’re the only one left, it creates pressure,» shares one mother of an elementary school student.
«We all understand that teachers deserve respect and gratitude, but collecting money for such gifts has become almost a mandatory ritual. And the amounts often come as a shock,» adds another parent.

The most significant frustration among parents comes from the large sums being demanded. In some schools, the amount starts from 100,000 soums per student, which is an overwhelming burden for many families. Parents find themselves in a situation where they cannot refuse, fearing it might affect how their children are treated by teachers or school administration.

The Tashkent Department of Preschool and School Education reminds everyone that any form of financial collection in educational institutions is prohibited. At the beginning of the school year, meetings were held in all schools with teachers and representatives of parent committees, where they were warned against collecting funds.

If parents encounter any cases of illegal money collection, they are encouraged to contact the Department’s hotline at 71-2370830. Each report will be investigated, and those responsible may face consequences in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The issue of illegal collections in schools is not only a financial burden on parents but also a matter of trust in the educational system. As long as money collections continue, the issue of respect for teachers and the relationships between schools and parents will remain at risk. It’s essential to remember that sincere gratitude to teachers should not be measured by monetary contributions, and mutual respect should be the foundation of healthy relationships in the educational environment.

The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article