On December 21, the digital technology school School 21 in Uzbekistan celebrated its first anniversary. Over the past year, the school has served as a bridge into the world of IT for anyone over 18, helping thousands of individuals explore their potential in the IT field and begin their career journey towards in-demand professions in information technology at no cost.
The participants and the school's team were congratulated by honored guests, including Oleg Pekos, the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies; Ansor Anvarov, Adviser to the Hokim of Samarkand Region for Digitalization; Dilmurad Khudjaberdiev, Head of the Samarkand Regional Department of the Ministry of Digital Technologies; and Sherzod Yusupov, Director of IT Park Samarkand. They highlighted the project's significance for the country and wished the participants success in becoming prominent representatives of the IT community.
3
“The School 21 project is not just a school; it is an essential part of Uzbekistan's digital transformation and a vivid example of a social elevator. Free education available to everyone over 18, a modern campus, and a peer-to-peer methodology open up pathways into the rapidly growing IT industry for all. Success here depends not on initial knowledge but on motivation, diligence, and the ability to progress. Such initiatives lay a solid foundation for creating a robust professional community in our country. I wish the school prosperity and motivated students in the coming year,” said Oleg Pekos, First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies.
The celebration for the campus's birthday lasted all day. The morning began with an official segment where the school team showcased their achievements over the year and presented partnership projects. The participants shared insights about the projects they are currently working on:
- An informational cyber portal for verifying plastic cards;
- Artificial intelligence for recognizing complex handwritten and printed fonts;
- A cloud infrastructure IT laboratory for developing and scaling digital solutions.
Awards were given to participants who excelled in their studies, volunteering, and community development. The school's awards were presented to Jasurbek Nuriddinov, Tahir Baylepesov, Jurabek Kamolov, and Sevinch Suinova.
4
“This year, over 3,500 participants joined the training in Samarkand and Tashkent. We signed 46 memorandums and agreements with key industry players, held dozens of events, and participated in forums and exhibitions such as Job & Edu Fest, ICT Week, GDG DevFest 2024, and others. We are actively working, developing the project, and forming a powerful educational and technological hub that unites the interests of citizens, businesses, and the government,” shared Zarina Lukhmanova, Chief Executive Officer of School 21.
5
During the day, participants had the opportunity to attend lectures from top experts, including representatives from Mohir dev, Babai Systems, and Brain Power Evolution. The lecturers shared their experiences and answered students' questions. A particular highlight was the Career Corner, where the school's partners, Mobiuz, SamITGlobal, IT Park Samarkand, and the Samarkand Region Internal Affairs Directorate conducted rapid interviews and provided career-building advice.
6
“For over six months, I have been a participant in the main training at School 21. For me, the school has become a second home where I spend most of my time. The school provides all the conditions for development: a learning platform, the opportunity to live in a dormitory, engage in sports at the gym, and relax. The school team is always nearby—community managers, technical specialists, and employment managers who are ready to support, assist, and boost motivation. Here, learning is based on a peer-to-peer methodology: everyone learns from each other, without grades, mentors, or fixed schedules. This requires the ability to manage your time effectively and plan your learning process independently.
Today, during the school's birthday celebration, I participated in all activities, went through several interviews, gained valuable experience, played in the IT quiz, and tried my hand in tournaments. I am grateful that the government provides the opportunity to study IT for free,” said Jasurbek Nuriddinov, a participant in the main training.
7
Interactive zones were organized across four floors of the campus. Guests could learn about student clubs and the basics of programming, participate in IT quizzes, test their logical skills in games, and register for the next qualifying “pool.” Tournaments in PlayStation, VR, and XBOX zones added a competitive and fun spirit to the event. Everyone had the chance to interact with Nuwa robots, which communicate, dance, sing, and help teach English through games. The event concluded outside by the Christmas tree, where lights were ceremoniously lit, accompanied by words of gratitude and best wishes for the coming year.
8
The first birthday of School 21 was not just a celebration but a significant event for the IT community of Uzbekistan, emphasizing the school's role in preparing a new generation of IT specialists and advancing the digital ecosystem.
Everyone interested in becoming part of School 21 and trying their hand in IT is invited to the 26-day qualifying “pool.” The best participants will progress to the main training, which lasts on average from 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the pace chosen by the students themselves.
Dates for the upcoming qualifying “pools”:
- Tashkent – January 27, applications are accepted until January 22;
- Samarkand – January 27, applications are accepted until January 22.
Applications for training can be submitted via the link.
Samarkand campus:
- Phone: (+998) 93-039-44-42.
- Address: Ibn Sino Street, 17a.
- E-mail: [email protected]
Tashkent campus:
- Phone: (+998) 93-039-44-47.
- Address: Mirzo-Ulugbek District, Ziyolilar Street, 13.
- E-mail: [email protected]
Advertisement.