Essay from Jasmine Rashidov

Three young adults, two young women in blouses and one guy in a dark suit, seated at a table at a formal event representing their schools.

Many argue that the use of new technologies has become increasingly pervasive and has significantly altered how young people spend their leisure time. I strongly believe that the positive aspects outweigh the negatives.

First and foremost, many young individuals have become accustomed to using modern technologies, which has led to an improved lifestyle in various ways—such as access to online learning and productive screen time. These activities can often be monitored and controlled by parents, reducing potential risks. Nonetheless, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

On the other hand, excessive use of technology can expose youth to serious threats, such as cyberbullying or even influence from extremist content. For instance, a study conducted by specialists found that 89% of adolescents prefer to spend their free time online, which may increase their vulnerability to digital risks.

To conclude, although the use of modern technology can bring certain negative consequences, I firmly believe that the benefits—particularly in learning internationally recognized languages and gaining access to global knowledge—far outweigh the drawbacks.

My name is Jasmina Rashidova, a passionate and ambitious student born on November 23, 2008, in Shakhrisabz district, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan!


I currently study at School No. 74. I have earned several educational grants and awards, and I am a finalist of competitions like BBG, FO, and VHG. I actively participate in international Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and lead my own educational channel — @JasminaRashidova_channel.

With a deep interest in leadership, public speaking, and writing, I continue to work hard toward achieving academic excellence and inspiring others in my community. A bright example for this can be about little Jasmine Rashidova — A finalist of StriveHub, LOT’2025, and CAMLP’25.

Poetry from Eva Petropoulou Lianou

Middle aged European woman standing outside on a lake beach on a sunny day. Water is behind her, trees and people on the shore.

A precious man

The nights and the days come and go without a smile

The days are so big without a smile

The nights are a waiting for a call or a message

It is so expensive this time away from your eyes.

You are my precious pearl..

A diamond hide in the mud..

Waiting the time to hug you and kiss you.

You are my treasure hidden from the sun

Waiting the day I meet you again..

Waiting your look..

Waiting your lips..

You are my precious pearl hidden in the oyster deep in the sea.

You are my precious man. 

….

You

My poem

You,

That the face I did not see for years

You

U are the most amazing being

But cannot touch

You,

The beauty is hiding in  small pieces in your body and mind

You,,

I can explain why

But i know my what

You

That one day u crossed my path

Forces of love or passion touched me

Without reason

I am looking the east

U are looking the west

Miracles happens every day

You

A passion I can live in a privately moment

Love I give

Love will never be understood

You…

In another space of galaxy

You

My ideal

My secret

Garden

You

The moments I never had

You

The distance between 2 countries

A bridge i will try to build to reach you

Good night poem

What a caterpillar maybe call the end

A butterfly call it the beginning of a beautiful journey…

The stars are so far but we can see the lights

And feel their heat

As i am thinking of you

Days and nights are together

No distance

Only sun

Only Moon

And for once they are together

In this beautiful sky

Thinking of you

The days

Think about you

My heart

My body

My soul

Wake up

And

Dance in a circle

Imagine u are here

Imagine u are close to me

Imagine our life starts

This is my wish

My prayer

As you are my hope

My inspiration

In those long years of loneliness…

Love poem

Your smile… 

I dream a future with you

I dream a blue sky

Sunset to a an island 

I dream a white house

And have a view to the sea 

I dream a future close to you.. 

And i get a bad dream

Sleeping alone

Feeling weak

But in my heart

i am not alone because i feel your heart beat

I feel your breath

Poetry from Shahzoda Ilnar qizi Allayarova

Young Central Asian girl with an embroidered headband and colored blouse in front of a construction paper mural.

If We Are United – We Are One Nation

People of all nations live in my land,

We are one soul, we are one body.

If we are united, we are one nation,

Together — a great and mighty country.

Our homeland is peaceful, our sky is clear,

Our tables are full of blessings.

In paradise-like Uzbekistan,

Every moment we live is filled with joy.

We are a hospitable and kind-hearted people,

Always ready to help our friends.

Compassion lives within our hearts,

Our love is like the oceans, vast and deep.

My chest is the sky, my pride is high,

My dreams reach the stars above.

In this world, there is only one —

I am a child of Uzbekistan!

We live with burning love for our homeland,

All nations, together as one.

If we are united, we are one nation,

Together — a great and mighty country!

Shahzoda Ilnar qizi Allayarova was born on May 16, 2013, in Oqtosh city, Narpay district, Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. She is currently a 5th-grade student (Class 5B) at School No. 55 in Oqtosh. Her literary works are regularly published in regional and national newspapers such as “Navqiron Narpay”, “Tong Yulduzi”, and “Bekajon”.

She won second place in the national competitions “Human Rights Through the Eyes of Children” organized by “Tong Yulduzi”, and “Protector of the Green Space” by “G’uncha” magazine. In 2023, she became a laureate and winner of the national “Kamalak Yulduzlari” Children’s Creativity Festival.

Her poems have also been featured in various anthologies including “Scent of Verses”, “A Drop from the Ocean”, “Magic of Words”, “The Creators I Seek”, “Beloved of My Nation”, “Joys of My Life”, “Young Talents”, “Masters of the Magic Pen”, “Toward My Goals”, as well as the Turkish-language anthology “Geleceğin Liderleri” (“Leaders of the Future”) and the English-language “Girls Nation”. Additionally, her works have appeared in international publications such as “Raven Gage” journal and “KENYA TIMES” newspaper.

Essay from Farzona Hoshimova

Young Central Asian girl with dark pigtails and a white blouse and blue overalls holding a set of books in front of a pine tree on a grassy field on a sunny day.

Thank You, “Tong Yulduzi”!

Creative Journey and Publications

Between 2021 and 2025, more than 50 of her literary works—both in prose and poetry—have been published in national and international press. Her works have appeared in publications such as “Fergana Haqiqati”, “Dono Word”, “Tong Yulduzi”, “Smile”, “Yangiyer Tongi”, and “Ijodkor”, as well as international journals like “Kenya Times”, “Raven Cage”, “Page 3 News”, and “Thotem” in Argentina. Farzona’s writings have also been featured in collective anthologies, including “Girls Nation – Daughters of the Nation”, published by Amazon.com (USA), as well as collections printed in Khiva, Jizzakh, and Sirdarya.

Her first book was published in 2021 in Great Britain and Europe.

Competitions and Achievements

To date, Farzona has been awarded over 95 diplomas, certificates, and memorable gifts for her active participation and success in various contests.

“Tong Yulduzi” – A Source of Inspiration

The newspaper “Tong Yulduzi” (Morning Star) holds a special place in Farzona’s creative journey. A poem dedicated to the paper by children’s poet Ro‘zimurod Bolqiyev continues to inspire her. According to Farzona, the newspaper, now 96 years old, was known as “Lenin Uchquni” (Lenin’s Spark) during her grandmother’s school years. She has had nearly 30 of her works published in the paper to date.

Farzona expresses deep gratitude to the editorial team of “Tong Yulduzi”—including Feruza Adilova, Nodira Nazarova, Nurbek aka, and all staff members—for their continuous support and warm attitude toward students across the country.

She is also an active member of the “Creative Children” club under the Republican Children’s Library, where the creativity of over 234 young authors is showcased. On average, 4 to 5 children report daily that their works have been published in “Tong Yulduzi”.

A Memorable Victory in Bukhara

Since the 5th grade, Farzona has participated in many creative competitions. She fondly recalls her first victory when newspaper representatives visited her school to award her in person. Later, she received awards by post. In a recent contest jointly organized by “Tong Yulduzi” and the family of the great Bukhara poet G‘ulom Shomurod, she proudly won first place.

Accompanied by her two grandmothers, aunt, and uncle, she traveled from Fergana to Bukhara, crossing seven provinces in 15 hours. Throughout the journey, she received frequent phone calls from the newspaper staff, asking about their well-being. Upon arrival, G‘ulom Shomurod’s children warmly welcomed them and accommodated them in a prestigious hotel. The staff treated them with great respect, offering warm food and tea.

At the event, Farzona’s heart beat differently—filled with excitement and pride. She listened attentively to heartfelt words about the late poet G‘ulom Shomurod, and was deeply inspired to learn more about his works. When she was announced as the first-place winner, her joy was beyond words. She was awarded with a diploma, memorable gifts, and books, including a poetry book by G‘ulom Shomurod himself. She also received a book from Obid Qo‘ldosh, a renowned poet and journalist from Bukhara.

After the ceremony, guests gathered for a special lunch. Though the organizers wanted to give them a city tour, limited time meant the participants had to bid farewell to the “Tong Yulduzi” team and the Shomurod family.

Farzona sincerely thanks the family of G‘ulom Shomurod, especially G‘ayrat Shomurod, the editorial staff of “Tong Yulduzi”, and the administration of Jondor District, Bukhara, for organizing such a meaningful event. She was particularly happy to learn that G‘ulom Shomurod’s poetry has now been included in school textbooks, giving future generations the chance to get to know his legacy from an early age.

Conclusion

Farzona believes that finding her place and rising in the creative world would not have been possible without the guidance of her mentors—especially the devoted team of “Tong Yulduzi”.

Thank you, “Tong Yulduzi”!

— Farzona Hoshimova Ilhomjon qizi,

9th-grade student, School No. 18, Fergana City

Farzona Hoshimova Ilhomjon qizi was born on December 10, 2010, in Fergana city. She is currently a 9th-grade student at School No. 18 in Fergana. This young creative girl is a member of several national and international organizations, including the “Creative Children” circle under the Republican Children’s Library, the “Double Wings Writers’ Union” (Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan), the international “IQRA Foundation”, and the Writers’ Union of Argentina.

Essay from Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Mirzo

Young Central Asian woman with a light gray, white, and red coat seated in a chair next to a stone monument to an important person.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Akrom qizi

2nd-year student of Applied Psychology

Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan

Scientific advisor: Farhod Rahmatullayev

Annotation

This article examines the emotional development processes of children aged 1.5 to 3 years, highlighting the emotional states typical for this period and the socio-psychological factors that shape them. Based on research, it explores the quality of emotional bonding with parents and its influence on the child’s psychological development.

Keywords: early childhood, emotional development, emotional regulation, emotional bonding, psychological safety.

Introduction

Early childhood is considered to span from approximately 1.5 to 3 years of age. During this stage, children undergo rapid physical, psychological, and social development. The once helpless and inactive infant quickly transforms into an active, cheerful child who begins to interact with adults, grasp and use objects, and explore the surrounding world. Children observe their environment, touch and examine objects, respond to sounds, and attempt to replicate those sounds themselves. They also begin to form emotional connections with their mothers and close caregivers.

Main Part

From the very first months of life, a child’s emotional development begins to take shape. By two months old, an infant can distinguish their mother’s face and voice from others. From 2–3 months, the child begins responding to their mother’s smile or laughter with their own smiles and physical movements. By 3–4 months, the child tries to express their desire to see, hear, or speak with their loved ones. At 8 months, infants show anxiety when placed in unfamiliar environments or in the hands of strangers, often expressed through crying. This anxiety tends to gradually decrease by the age of 14–18 months.

Early childhood is a crucial period in personality development. At this age, children’s actions are primarily driven by emotions rather than deliberate thought. Their behavior can be highly variable—for example, a child may quickly shift from crying to calmness. During this time, children form feelings of love and affection toward their caregivers and strive to receive praise from them. They develop a deep emotional attachment to their parents, often showing obedience and discipline. This strong bond helps meet the child’s fundamental emotional needs and reduces anxiety. Children who feel secure with their mothers become more active and curious about their environment. They also learn and internalize their own names, often defending them and resisting being called by another name. The way adults interact with the child during this period lays the foundation for the child’s self-awareness as a unique individual.

Emotional development is an integral part of psychological growth. It involves the child’s ability to recognize, express, and regulate their own emotions, as well as to understand and appropriately respond to the emotions of others.

Early childhood serves as a fundamental stage in emotional development. During this period, children begin not only to recognize their feelings but also to learn how to express and manage them. It is essential that close adults provide a caring and emotionally supportive environment during this stage.

Emotion is a psychological state that reflects a person’s internal response to external events and stimuli.

Emotional regulation refers to a child’s ability to identify, express, and manage their emotions, including controlling anger.

Emotional bonding is the affectionate, emotionally close relationship formed between the child and the caregiver (usually the mother or teacher). This bond fosters a sense of safety, emotional resilience, and forms the foundation for future social and emotional adaptability.

Psychological safety refers to an environment where individuals feel secure enough to make mistakes, ask questions, propose new ideas, or express opinions without fear of judgment. It implies a climate of mutual respect and trust, enabling individuals to unlock their full personal potential.

Conclusion

Early childhood is a sensitive and crucial stage in laying the foundation for a child’s emotional life. During this period, the child learns to understand, express, and regulate emotions. A nurturing, attentive, and trust-filled environment is the key to fostering emotional maturity.

References

1. Janpeysova, Ibragimova. Child and Adolescent Psychology. Tashkent, 2020

2. Davlatov. Child Psychology. Tashkent, 2016

3. Elkonin. Psychology of Child Development

4. arxiv.uz/uz/document

Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Mirzo is a 3rd year student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Applied Psychology, National University of Uzbekistan named after Ulugbek.

Poetry from J.J. Campbell

Middle aged white guy in a light colored tee shirt with a long white beard and mustache and messy gray hair and reading glasses in a bedroom with posters on the wall.

——————————————————————–

left to rot in the rain

broken and forgotten

left to rot in the rain

life has beaten all

our asses

put on beethoven

and try to forget

the stack of bills,

the unwanted

pregnancy, too

young to fall

in love, too

foolish to fall

for it yet again

and here comes the

wanna be porn star

every phone making

movies

wish upon whatever

star you like

nothing comes true

anymore

here we go

backwards

yet again

our better angels

must have died

in the storm

laughter is all

we have left

——————————————-

there would be no math

farted so loud

the air conditioner

kicked on

i don’t think the

two are related

prove me wrong

i was told there

would be no math

involved

it never is the heat

but always the

humidity

and mr. monopoly

is trying to rob

my bank yet

again

while the strange

women talk about

passion if you only

could send one

hundred dollars

in bitcoin to them

by the morning

they swear we didn’t

leave this planet

although i certainly

feel like an alien

never an ice cream

truck when you need

it

———————————————-

what greatness is supposed to look like

transient on the highway

shirt off in the heat

looked like hulk hogan

if hogan never did steroids

and lived until the age

of 90

he gave me the finger

as i drove by

obviously, playing

the heel

and somewhere

a woman cries over

the death of a prince

and darkness never

fades

even though the

screams and loud

echoes of thunderous

love will

never let them tell

you what greatness

is supposed to look

like

how it is to feel

or be loved

dare to stand out

so bad they will

never be allowed

to forget you

————————————————-

on your side

one of those nights

you put on the moonlight

sonata and ponder your

own death

the whimsical nature

of depravity

your friends are down

to the single digits

success is just a fucking

dream anymore

but pretend love is real

that karma is on your

side

that all the hard work

will lead to a better

tomorrow

pretend the rain doesn’t

hurt

that yet another broken

promise is just a setback

and not the final kick

to the dick that life has

been teasing since the

last failed suicide

attempt

————————————————–

one july afternoon

lost in your madness

the subtle beauty

of a broken woman

hoping to feel alive

once again

every thrust

every heavy breath

every drop of sweat

every lick of your soul

i could feel your energy

from hundreds of miles

away

the one afternoon that

could possibly change

our lives forever

you are now trapped

in my dreams

the lost soul that i was

so damn lucky to find

now comes the fun part

seeing where love takes

this fascinating ride into

the unknown

J.J. Campbell (1976 – ?) is old enough to know better. He’s been widely published over the years, most recently at Disturb the Universe Magazine, Misfit Magazine, The Beatnik Cowboy, Mad Swirl and Yellow Mama. He is spending most of his days taking care of his disabled mother and betting on Mexican soccer games. He still has a blog but rarely has the time to write on it. (https://evildelights.blogspot.com)

Essay from Muslima Olimova

Annotation

This article explores how young people in Uzbekistan are accessing international opportunities through information and communication technologies (ICT). It analyzes key platforms, real-life experiences, and the pathways youth follow to showcase their knowledge and skills globally through global programs, grants, online courses, and international cooperation projects. The article also highlights the importance of digital literacy, language skills, and networking in the digital era.

Keywords:

Information technologies, international opportunities, Uzbek youth, online education, grants, digital literacy, networking, global collaboration.

In today’s digital age, the ability to use information technologies effectively is not only a tool for self-development but also a key to competing in the global arena. Young people now have access to the world’s best courses, scholarships, volunteer programs, and startup competitions via the internet. However, making the most of these opportunities requires not only technical knowledge, but also determination, goal-setting, and a strategic approach.

The number of young Uzbeks accessing international platforms through ICT is steadily increasing. For instance, there are youth who study on platforms such as CourseraedX, and Khan Academy, completing courses offered by institutions like GoogleMeta, and NASA. Uzbek youth are also gaining international recognition by participating in programs of organizations like One Young World , Junior Academy , and UNESCO . These achievements are the result of using technology wisely, learning English, and continuously working on self-improvement.

Social platforms such as Telegram , LinkedIn , and Facebook play a vital role in discovering grant and competition announcements, maintaining a strong personal profile, and building a professional network. Many young Uzbeks are now taking their startups to the international stage with the help of platforms like Devpost , Hackathon , and Google Developers .

Furthermore, international cooperation is expanding in areas such as gender equality, inclusive education, and sustainable development — all supported by ICT tools. Interest in technology among young girls is growing, and they too are earning international recognition.

However, several challenges still exist on this journey — such as slow internet speed, language barriers, misinformation, and financial limitations. These problems can be overcome by using free online courses, joining local mentorship programs, actively monitoring grant platforms, and establishing connections with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Conclusion

Information technologies are tools — how they are used depends on the youth themselves. In Uzbekistan, an increasing number of young people are using these tools for creativity, innovation, and global integration. This progress is accelerating development across the country. Every young person can define their own destiny and compete globally by leveraging technology.

This article has outlined how Uzbek youth are accessing global opportunities through ICT. Real experiences, platforms, and strategies have shown how they demonstrate their potential. In this process, digital literacy, language skills, and continuous learning play a crucial role. Therefore, every young person should use information technologies as a means to achieve their goals.

References

UNESCO. (2023). Digital Skills for Youth Empowerment .

Coursera.org is an online learning platform.

edX.org – Free Online Courses from Harvard, MIT, and more.

One Young World Official Website – www.oneyoungworld.com

Google Developers and Women Techmakers Programs.

Olimova M. (2024). Youth and Digital Innovation in Central Asia . Tashkent: TechFuture Press.