Poetry from Geneviève Guevara 

JUBILEE OF FIRE 

On the calendar

The rice paper

Burned

The match burned out

Last year is forgotten

The skin’s snake is lost

A new era imprints

Its tempo with a new breath

The sulfur crackles

A tenfold energy

Mane in the wind

Nostrils blow

Ashes and embers

The stride is legendary

February pulses

On the hoof the farrier

Grafted the shoe of luck

Today, with its burning bells, announces

A year with the pulse of a thoroughbred

The horse neighs powerfully

Its pyromaniac letters are engraved

Deep in the flesh

The beginning of a new era

Emerging from torpor

And celebrating the new year.

Celebrate your fiery horse

And run into the vastness

Geneviève Guevara lives in Belgium. She’s a very creative French teacher, poet, novelist, and painter. Writing is very important in her life and she organizes a monthly poetry festival in her hometown of Namur and a bimonthly poetry festival in Paris.   

Essay from Mamadaliyev Kamronbek 

Cybersecurity: the visible consequences of an invisible war

In today’s digital age, humanity has achieved unprecedented convenience. With a single smartphone, we manage our bank accounts, access government services, work remotely, and even consult doctors. Yet behind these conveniences lies an invisible, silent, but dangerous battlefield — cyberspace. And on this battlefield, the struggle never stops.

Digital Trust in Crisis

Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for programmers or IT specialists. It directly affects the daily lives of every citizen. A weak password, clicking on an unknown link, or carelessly sharing personal information can lead to serious consequences.

Globally, cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated. It is no secret that hacker groups have brought even large corporations to their knees. For example, in 2017, the WannaCry virus shook the world by crippling the systems of thousands of organizations across hundreds of countries. This incident clearly demonstrated how costly negligence in cybersecurity can be.

Cyberwars: a new geopolitical front

Today, competition between states is no longer confined to land, water, or air — it also unfolds in virtual space. Cyberattacks have become tools of political pressure and weapons of economic sabotage.

For instance, the Stuxnet computer worm, discovered in 2010, entered history as one of the first large-scale cyberweapons targeting industrial infrastructure. It proved that a single command typed behind a keyboard can paralyze a factory, a power plant, or even an entire system in the real world.

This raises a simple yet profound question: if no war is officially declared, yet the electricity goes out, banking systems collapse, or data is stolen — what does that signify?

Social Media and Information Security

Cybersecurity is not only a technical issue. It is closely linked to information security. Fake news, manipulation, and data breaches influence public consciousness.

On social media, a single false report can reach millions of users within hours. As a result, trust erodes and social tension rises. Therefore, cybersecurity is not only about protecting servers — it is also about protecting society.

Uzbekistan and the Responsibility of a Digital Future

The digitalization process is rapidly advancing in Uzbekistan as well. E-government services, online payments, and distance learning systems are expanding. This elevates cybersecurity to the level of national security.

Today, from school students to entrepreneurs, everyone must know basic cyber hygiene principles:

Use strong and complex passwords

Enable two-factor authentication

Be cautious of suspicious links and files

Regularly update software and systems

Without a culture of cybersecurity, technological progress itself may become a source of risk.

Conclusion: The Choice Is Ours

Cyberspace is a field of opportunity. But with opportunities come risks. Carelessness in the digital world can cause real-life problems.

So the question is simple: do we use technology consciously, or do we become completely dependent on it?

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue — it is a matter of collective awareness, culture, and responsibility in modern society. The invisible war has already begun. Victory in it depends on the awareness and responsibility of each of us.

Mamadaliyev Kamronbek 

Poetry from Dr. Jernail S. Anand

RISK 

The most sacred to mankind 

Is man’s

Creative Imagination.

Give anything away 

Not your right 

And your power 

To think, dream and create.

If you are bewitched by 

A machine’s great work, 

And you wish to 

Become as exact,

Don’t forget, 

They are subject to 

The wishes of a master.

As a man, if you love 

Your independence

Don’t ever think of reducing yourself 

To a machine, which has no will 

And which has a switch.

Beware of the being 

Reduced to a switch.

Death is not what is worst 

For mankind 

But if someone tells you

What to think, 

Not to dream, 

And not to sleep at night 

Your survival is at risk.

Essay from Maxmarajabova Durdona Ismat qizi

Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, Faculty of Philology 1st year student

Mother – The Heart of the Universe

Mother and nature. At first glance, these two words may seem unrelated, but at their core, they are deeply intertwined. When I look at the universe, every moment spent with my mother vividly comes to mind. If I look closely, the oxygen in the open air feels like my mother’s love—boundless and essential for every human being. Just as a person cannot survive for a single moment without oxygen, one cannot live without a mother’s affection or truly feel the most
beautiful moments of life.


Even the seasons of nature remind me of my mother’s moods. When faced with external injustices and sorrows, her spirit may wither like autumn leaves falling from a tree. Yet, with her child’s success or even the smallest gesture of love, her heart blossoms like the first buds of spring.


Just as nature bestows endless blessings upon humanity, a mother provides the very best for her children, even if it means sacrificing her own life. Even if we observe the world of birds, the relationship between mother and child is clearly reflected. A mother bird, despite all dangers and hardships, never stops searching for food until her chicks are fed, often giving everything she has found to her young without eating a morsel herself. Is this not a reflection of a human mother?


Another truth I have gathered from the world is this: just as a mother brings a child into the world, nurturing and protecting them within herself, nature provides a home and all the necessary blessings for every living creature, including humanity.

Essay from Orinboyeva Zarina

The Impact of Family Conflicts and Divorce on Children’s Psychological State

Abstract

This scientific article discusses family conflicts and divorce. The main causes of divorce and disagreements include fathers’ betrayal toward their children and family, violence under the influence of alcohol, and avoidance of family responsibilities.

Keywords:

Family, divorce, family conflicts, violence, fatherless children, psychology of girls, social adaptation

Introduction

The family is one of the most important units of society. Its environment plays a significant role in the development of children as individuals. A healthy family is the foundation of a stable society. However, today, family conflicts and divorces cause serious psychological problems in society. These situations especially manifest in the mental and emotional state of children.

Although divorce is often assessed as a problem between husband and wife, it leaves deep and unforgettable marks in the lives of children.

Main Causes of Family Conflicts and Divorce

Experience shows that one of the main reasons for divorce is fathers’ insufficient understanding of their family responsibilities and their indifferent attitude toward them. A father in the family should be not only a material provider but also a moral support. In some cases, fathers’ negligence toward the family, betrayal, or defining everything by money undermines the atmosphere of trust in the household.

In addition, alcohol consumption is one of the factors that intensifies family conflicts. Violence arising under the influence of alcohol negatively affects not only the relationship between spouses but also the psychological state of children.

The Effect of Violence and Stress on Children’s Psychology

Children growing up in a violent family environment experience constant stress. Stress is the body’s response to negative external factors, and when prolonged, it negatively impacts the child’s physical development. Such children often have high levels of anxiety and fear, and their self-confidence is significantly reduced.

According to psychological research, children who witness family quarrels often experience:

Low self-esteem compared to peers

Difficulty in social adaptation

Persistent fear and anxiety

Psychosomatic and health-related psychological problems

These children struggle to express their thoughts freely.

The Psychological State of Fatherless Children

After divorce, in many cases, the father leaves the family, and children grow up without a father. Some children grow up without ever seeing their father. In such children, the internal need and longing for a father are strong, and sometimes even the sound of a door knocking sparks the hope that “maybe my father has come.” This reflects the unstable expectations and emotional void in the child’s inner world.

Fatherless children grow up craving affection. Mothers often try to give them love both as a mother and father, giving all they can, but a father’s love cannot be fully replaced. A father’s love is different and unique; every child has a personal place for the father that no one else can fill.

Fatherless girls often express themselves through education. Psychologically, girls who grow up without a father are forced to mature earlier. According to multiple studies, these girls demonstrate strong goal-oriented behavior. Among girls whose fathers left, the desire to support their mothers and make them happy is often very strong. Consequently, they strive for education, self-improvement, and earning a respected position in society. For them, knowledge is not only a means of development but also a tool to overcome life’s challenges.

At the same time, such girls have strong spiritual needs. Specifically, the need for a father’s moral support and prayers often remains unfulfilled. Receiving a father’s blessing (oq fotihasi) becomes a lifelong longing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, family conflicts and divorces represent a serious psychological issue for society. The greatest victims of these processes are children, who grow up with trust issues and health-related problems. In particular, girls who grow up without a father face greater challenges in life.

References

Scientific sources on family and psychology.

Articles on social psychology and the consequences of divorce.

A brief introduction about myself: My name is Orinboyeva Zarina. I was born on April 1, 2011, in Oqdaryo District, Samarkand Region. Currently, I am an 8th-grade student at School No. 43 in Oqdaryo District, Samarkand Region.

I have participated in numerous projects and competitions and am the holder of several international certificates. Twice, my creative work has been published in an American journal and once in the district newspaper. I have also participated in a conference in Germany and serve as a volunteer in Samarkand city.

For my creative works, I was awarded the “Hope of the Nation” badge. I also participated in the district stage of the Zulfiyakhonim Award. My creative works are indexed on Google, and I am a member of the Argentine Writers’ Association.

These achievements are just the beginning, Inshallah. I plan to continue developing myself and achieving many more accomplishments. I hope to present my creative works personally to our respected President one day. My ultimate goal is to become an outstanding journalist, admired and envied by all.

Essay from Abdullayeva E’zozaxon Qobuljon qizi

Abdullayeva E’zozaxon Qobuljon qizi

Date of Birth: 19.02.2007

Chekmirzaobod MFY, Bag‘dod District, Fergana Region, Uzbekistan

First-year student, Economics Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Economics

INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AS A FACTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abdullayeva E’zozaxon Qobuljon qizi

Student at Qo‘qon State University

Abstract: This article analyzes the role and significance of investment in education as a key factor of economic development. In a modern knowledge-based economy, education, skills, and innovation are the main drivers of sustainable growth. Investments in education contribute to the development of human capital, increase labor productivity, and provide a solid foundation for economic growth. The article highlights the relationship between education and economic development, the socio-economic benefits of investing in education, and the roles of both government and private sectors in this process. It also examines the challenges in educational investment and potential solutions. The study concludes that investment in education is a long-term and essential factor for sustainable economic development.

Keywords: education, investment, human capital, economic development, labor productivity

Introduction: Education plays a crucial role in the economic development of any country. In the modern globalized world, economic growth is increasingly determined not by natural resources but by human capital, knowledge, and innovation. Investment in education is considered one of the most effective ways to enhance human potential and ensure sustainable economic progress. Countries that prioritize education tend to experience higher productivity, technological advancement, and improved living standards. Education not only provides individuals with skills and knowledge but also contributes to social stability and economic resilience. Therefore, analyzing the impact of educational investment on economic development is essential for policymakers, researchers, and educators. Investment in education has become one of the most significant determinants of long-term economic growth in the modern knowledge-based economy. Numerous international studies indicate that countries allocating a higher share of their GDP to education tend to demonstrate faster productivity growth, higher innovation capacity, and stronger labor market performance. For example, World Bank reports show that a one-year increase in average schooling can raise national GDP growth by approximately 0.3–0.5 percent annually. Despite the recognized importance of educational investment, many developing countries still face challenges related to insufficient funding, unequal access to quality education, and weak integration between education systems and labor market demands. Therefore, analyzing the economic impact of educational investment and identifying effective policy approaches remains a crucial research issue. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive analysis of the economic and social outcomes of educational investment and the evaluation of the roles of both government and private sector participation in strengthening human capital formation and sustainable economic development.

Education and Human Capital Development: Human capital refers to the skills, knowledge, and abilities that individuals acquire through education and training. Investment in education directly strengthens human capital by improving the quality of the workforce. A well-educated population is more adaptable to technological changes and better prepared to meet labor market demands. Higher levels of education are associated with increased employment opportunities and higher income levels. Educated workers tend to be more productive, innovative, and efficient, which positively affects national economic performance. As a result, education becomes a strategic investment rather than a social expense.

Economic Benefits of Investment in Education: Investment in education generates both direct and indirect economic benefits. Direct benefits include increased labor productivity, higher wages, and reduced unemployment rates. Indirect benefits involve improved health outcomes, reduced poverty, and enhanced social cohesion.

Moreover, education fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. Individuals with access to quality education are more likely to create new businesses, adopt advanced technologies, and contribute to economic diversification. This process strengthens economic stability and competitiveness at both national and global levels.

Role of Government and Private Sector: The development of education requires active participation from both the government and the private sector. Governments are responsible for creating favorable policies, allocating sufficient funding, and ensuring equal access to education. Public investment in education lays the foundation for economic growth and social development. At the same time, private sector involvement enhances efficiency and innovation in education. Partnerships between educational institutions and businesses help align educational programs with labor market needs, increasing graduates’ employability and economic contribution.

Challenges in Investing in Education: Despite its importance, investment in education faces several challenges. Limited financial resources, unequal access to quality education, and outdated educational systems hinder effective outcomes. In developing countries, rural and low-income populations often lack adequate educational opportunities. Additionally, rapid technological changes require continuous updates to educational curricula. Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, policy reforms, and international cooperation to ensure that educational investments yield maximum economic benefit.

Conclusion: In summary, investment in education is not only a social priority but also a strategic economic policy instrument that determines the long-term competitiveness of a country. Strengthening financial support for education, improving the quality of educational programs, and expanding cooperation between educational institutions and the private sector can significantly enhance human capital development. The findings of this study confirm that consistent and well-targeted educational investment leads to higher labor productivity, innovation growth, and sustainable economic expansion. Therefore, policymakers should prioritize long-term educational funding strategies and institutional reforms to maximize the economic returns of educational investment.

References:

Becker, G. S. (1993). Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis. University of Chicago Press.

World Bank. (2020). The Role of Education in Economic Development.

OECD. (2019). Education at a Glance.

Schultz, T. W. (1961). Investment in Human Capital. American Economic Review.

Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2015). The Knowledge Capital of Nations: Education and the Economics of Growth. MIT Press.

Barro, R. J. (2013). Education and Economic Growth. Annals of Economics and Finance.