Poetry from Bibixanifa Jumanazarova

Mother – The Soul’s Sunlight

A question has just bloomed, deep inside my soul,

Please read these lines — they’re heartfelt, pure and whole.

Though my pen is weak, my words hold no disguise,

I took a page to try… still, no phrase justifies.

Mother… O my dearest mom,

Is your smile the morning sun,

Warming me in every hour,

Are your words the books I’ve won —

Each chapter growing mind and power?

Why is your heart so gently made?

So full of grace, so finely laid?

Here’s the news I want to share:

My Lord, He loves you — this I swear.

And what could be the secret cause

Of such beauty in soul and face?

Believe my words, I speak from truth,

Even the moon would feel disgrace!

Forget the moon — just look above,

The skies reflect your endless love.

What does it mean, this boundless light?

What truth does it reveal in sight?

It speaks of God’s own mercy deep,

That matches yours — so wide, so steep.

In short, to summarize it right:

Without you, joy has lost its light.

Among all realms that ever be,

No one on Earth could be like you!

I am a young poet from Zomin, Uzbekistan, born on May 15, 2007. Through my poetry, I seek to express deep emotions and the beauty of the motherly love that inspires and lights up our souls.

Essay from Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna

Central Asian woman with straight dark hair dressed in a black graduation robe and hat with a red sash and tassel. She stands outside in front of a leafy tree on a concrete path.

APPLIQUÉ INSPIRES CREATIVITY

Annotation:
This article provides information on the preschool education system, enhancing the quality of education, decisions related to preschool education, and the development of creativity in preschool-aged children through the educational and upbringing process.

Keywords: Preschool education, creativity, appliqué, activity centers, developmental domains, sub-domains, state program, state standards.

Today, every citizen of our country witnesses the unprecedented changes taking place in the field of preschool education. The government has never before paid such systematic and complementary attention and provided such practical support to the preschool education system, which is considered the foundation of the entire educational system.

The meeting held on August 16, 2017, was a historic milestone in the preschool education system. On that day, the President of our country spoke about strengthening the national gene pool and outlined many directions for the development of early childhood education.

In particular, important tasks were set to fundamentally reform the structure of the preschool education system and ensure full enrollment of children in these institutions.

“When we speak about the vital issue of education and upbringing in our lives, we must repeatedly recall the wise words of our ancestor Abdulla Avloniy: ‘Education and upbringing are a matter of life and death for us’,” the President said. In any field, we cannot achieve progress or a prosperous life without nurturing modern, competent personnel. Training such individuals and forming a healthy national gene pool starts first and foremost with the preschool education system.¹

In line with the Presidential Decree of September 30, 2017, “On measures to fundamentally improve the management of the preschool education system,” and the decision “On the organization of the activities of the Ministry of Preschool Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” a new system was introduced.

To that end, a modern, continuous education system was implemented, ensuring comprehensive social development of the individual. The main goals were to create a perfect educational system that enables children to become well-rounded individuals and to increase its effectiveness.

A child is the light of life, a continuation of the lineage, and the dream of a healthy generation—a value that has been passed down by our ancestors for millennia and forms the essence of our families, our lives, and our aspirations.

Special attention has been given at the state policy level to the upbringing of a healthy generation in our country. The future of our homeland is directly linked to the scientific potential, talent, and independent thinking of today’s youth. All conditions have been created in Uzbekistan for children’s education and upbringing.

By decision No. 802 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated December 22, 2020, the “State Standard for Preschool Education and Upbringing” was adopted. Section 4.8 of this standard outlines the state requirements for the development of children of early and preschool age, the state curriculum for preschool education institutions, and its effective implementation in the educational process.

Section 4.13 of the state requirements elaborates on the “Creative Development” domain and its sub-domains:

  • Artistic perception of the world
  • Artistic and creative abilities

This domain emphasizes the requirement that “the child should have the ability to creatively transform the surrounding reality.” Based on the state curriculum, activity centers have been introduced in preschools to organize the educational and upbringing process effectively:

  1. Language and speech center
  2. Construction, modeling, and mathematics center
  3. Art center
  4. Dramatic play and role-play center
  5. Science and nature center

Children’s creative abilities can be clearly observed during activities conducted within these centers. In particular, the role of the teacher is crucial in developing children’s creative potential and in creating the necessary conditions for their creativity.

The art center, in particular, offers opportunities to uplift the child’s mood and support their creative skills. Artistic talents like drawing or sculpting are not innate in every child, which may result in fewer children participating in this center. However, with proper equipment and regular instruction during morning and evening sessions, the center can be developed. Activities at the art center include appliqué, drawing, and clay work.

Appliqué is a technique for creating images by gluing or stitching colored paper, fabric, or other materials onto a base to form patterns, flowers, or pictures. This technique originated among nomadic peoples around 2,500 years ago. Through the summarization of educators’ experiences, the following benefits of appliqué have been identified:

  • Development of aesthetic perception and artistic taste
  • Development of artistic and graphic skills
  • Enhancement of imagination, creative thinking, and spatial awareness
  • Refinement of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • Acquisition of certain artistic creation techniques
  • Introduction to local and global artistic cultures
  • Identification of potential for future artistic professions

During these activities, children often create innovations, and sometimes offer original works in the form of drawings or constructions. Spatial imagination plays a vital role in the formation of creativity. Well-developed imagination is the foundation of creativity and contributes to the creation of new artistic images.

According to scientists, humans can distinguish around 1,300 different colors. This suggests that the world around us is rich with subtle hues and unique beauty. Activities in the art center not only introduce children to colors and their properties, how to combine them, and how to mix them to create new colors, but also strengthen their ability to differentiate colors.

Appliqué activities conducted in preschool institutions contribute to the development of sensory perception, aesthetic education, formation of labor skills, and the emergence of willpower and character traits in young children.

Appliqué stimulates imagination, encourages creativity, activates observation skills, and nurtures attention, imagination, and willpower. It also enhances hand skills and develops the ability to use scissors and glue. These modern teaching methods increase children’s engagement and interest. Through appliqué, children learn cutting techniques and create beautiful, creative works from paper, plants, and straw. Teaching non-traditional methods regularly within their chosen direction draws the children’s attention and inspires them to enjoy visual arts, appreciate beauty, and love the world around them.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, all the reforms being implemented in our country in the field of education and upbringing aim to provide preschool-aged children with quality education and upbringing, uncover their creative abilities, raise them as mature and well-rounded individuals, and prepare them effectively for school education.

In developing the preschool education system, efforts are being made to organize educational processes based on modern information and communication technologies, to conduct training seminars in cooperation with international organizations’ trainers to improve teachers’ qualifications, to develop children’s motivation and creativity, and to create educational materials inspired by international achievements in the field of education.

References:

  1. Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PQ-3261, dated September 9, 2017, “On measures to radically improve the preschool education system”
  2. Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PQ-3305, dated September 30, 2017, “On the organization of the Ministry of Preschool Education”
  3. Resolution No. 802 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated December 22, 2020, “On approval of the State Standard for Preschool Education and Upbringing”
  4. Rahimova N. E. “Carrying out Appliqué Work and Its Types.” Urgench, 2019
  5. Website: Kun.uz

Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna
Born on March 25, 1984, in Gurlan district of Khorezm region, into a family of intellectuals.

From 1990 to 1998, she studied at School No. 1 in Gurlan district. From 1998 to 2001, she continued her education at Gymnasium No. 6 in Gurlan, graduating with excellent marks.

Between 2001 and 2003, she studied in the Nursing field at the Electro-Medical Technical School in the capital city, Tashkent, and successfully graduated with honors.

From 2020 to 2025, she completed her bachelor’s degree in the field of Preschool Education at Urgench State University.

Currently, she is working as an educator at Preschool Educational Institution No. 9, a multi-disciplinary specialized preschool institution under the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, located in Gurlan district, Khorezm region.

She is fluent in both Russian and Turkish.

  • In 2023, she was awarded the badge of honor “Devoted Specialist of Her Profession”.
  • In 2024, she was awarded the badge of honor “Top Scientific Researcher of the Year”.
  • In 2025, she received the honorary badge “Excellence in Preschool and School Education”.

She is the author of the methodological guidebook “Inclusive Education in Preschool Institutions”. Her published books include: “Towards My Goals”“For You, Dear Child”, and “Discoverer Children”. She has published numerous articles in international newspapers and journals. Her article “STEAM Technologies in Preschool Institutions” was published in Turkey in the book titled “Leading Women and Girls of Uzbekistan”.

Essay from Boyqobilova Nargiz Alimardonovna

Central Asian teen girl with straight dark hair and a white collared shirt.

My Mother – My Lifelong Confidante and Support

In life, every person has someone they can lean on, someone they trust wholeheartedly, someone closest to their heart. For me, that person is my mother.

She is not just a mother — she is my guiding light, my kind soul, my confidante, and most importantly, my pillar of strength. The word “mother” is not an ordinary word — it symbolizes bravery, the highest form of patience and loyalty, and an endless source of love. The greatness, compassion, and profound meaning in the word “mother” can only be felt through the heart.

A mother’s heart holds pure and unconditional love, untouched by any circumstances. My mother is the most ideal person in my life. Every step she has taken in life has been for her children. She has endured every hardship with patience and strength. To this day, she has been ready to sacrifice anything for the happiness, health, and future of her four children.

This is not something ordinary — this is proof of the boundless greatness, courage, and nobility of a mother’s heart. My mother has always been my strength. Every time I fell, she held my hand. Every time I cried, she wiped away my tears. Every time I rejoiced, she was even happier than me.

My mother is not a confidante for just a day, but for a lifetime. She is the only person to whom I can tell my deepest secrets, who never judges me, and who accepts me just as I am. Her embrace is a sanctuary of peace, love, and kindness. Her every prayer is a light on my path, and every look in her eyes strengthens my heart.

If someone were to ask me who the most ideal person in my life is, I wouldn’t hesitate to say: “It’s my mother.” Because she is unmatched in love, limitless in sacrifice, and undefeatable in patience.

My mother not only gave me life, but also taught me how to live it. If I am someone today, it is because of her efforts, love, and prayers. She is my greatest treasure, my most trusted friend, and my most loving teacher — the one I will always rely on.

I, Boyqobilova Nargiz Alimardonovna, was born on September 8, 2001, in Oqarbuloq Mahalla, Oltinsoy District, Surkhandarya Region. I am 25 years old. Currently, I am the beloved first daughter of my parents and my parents-in-law, a cherished wife to my husband, and a proud mother of two sweet daughters.

I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, majoring in Biology at Termez State University.

Anonymous piece

This is from an anonymous author speaking on behalf of the citizens of the United States. Please feel welcome to share anywhere and everywhere.

A Declaration of Independence

In the United States of America, July 4, 2025

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all human beings are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.—That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among humankind, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of this people; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former government. The history of the current president of the United States of America, Donald John Trump, is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, instituted by Congress and most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden Congress to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has attacked groups and individuals repeatedly, for opposing with firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws securing the powers of the judiciary.

He has sought to make judges dependent on his will alone.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and to abduct, imprison and deport them without due process of law or any legal accountability.

He has kept among us armies against the will of the people.

He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws;

For endangering our trade with all parts of the world:

For depriving us of the benefits of legal representation against the arbitrary actions of the federal government:

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free system of our laws, establishing therein an arbitrary government;

For endangering our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He has enticed our fellow citizens across the country to bear arms against their country, to become abductors and jailkeepers of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

We, therefore, the people of the United States of America, appealing to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by authority of the good people of these states, solemnly publish and declare, that these United States are, and of right ought to be free from the tyranny of this presidential administration; that they are absolved from all allegiance to Donald John Trump, and that all political connection between them and him is and ought to be totally dissolved. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

Poetry from Cherise Barasch

STONE SPIRITS

We Jews place stones on our ancestors graves

Permanence, unlike the breath

I make a vow to be with you each day

To create something with you, to hear your voice.

The heart shaped stones have been collected, near the waterfalls of the Blue Ridge

Each one reminds me of the love that I have to share 

Each stone has a home in my imagination

As I brush the strokes across the surface, a soft and subtle voice enters

I am with you, we share this time and space

I will paint each name, carefully, intentionally

I will ask each of you what you see

I will gather you all together again, as before, in my garden of life.

Poetry from Chimezie Ihekuna

Chimezie Ihekuna (Mr. Ben) Young Black man in a collared shirt and jeans resting his head on his hand. He's standing outside a building under an overhang.
Chimezie Ihekuna

What do I want?

Money, cars, houses?

Do I really want them?

Can I get them?

If yes, 

I live in the world of possibilities

I am very confident in my abilities

I chose not to dwell in the thought of uncertainties

So,

I want money to show the world my ambition isn’t funny

I want cars to show the world I’m on not day-dreaming on planet Mars

I want to own houses to show  the world I’m not  only about blouses

If no,

I find myself in a world of seeming impossibilities

I am apparently not confident in my capabilities

I am choosing to dwell in the thought of “realities”

So,

I don’t want money to avoid the world laughing funnily at my ambition

I don’t want cars to avoid showing the world how I could day-dream on planet Mars

I don’t want houses to avoid showing the world I’m about blouses.

Again, What do I want?

Cynicism

I always look forward to a health relationship

Yet, all of my efforts to to make it work become a mishap

I have always wanted to have a good companion

Yet, I have been entrapped by those interested in my onion

Moving up and about have I searched for true love

Yet, I have engaged those ripping off the good I am of

I have been assured not to give up in my search for the right one

Yet, I have been cheated on

I believe my relationship will work well

Yet, what it has brought me is hell

I have always thought that money makes relationship stronger

Yet, that made my intimacy weaker.

I have always wanted altruism

Yet, I have seen my life of relationship heading towards cynicism

The Valence Of Cynicism

                    (I)

With money, 

love from people comes around

People’s interest towards you abound

They want relationship with you

Their interest is hidden from your view

Some want  you to have intimacy with them

Their ‘want-back-in return’ you won’t condemn

When they are satisfied with they want,

they say outside your hearing what you are not.

You want to show altruism

But they depict Cynicism.

       (Ii)

Diogenes was a character of transparency

His mannerism was void of hypocrisy

The truth was exposing the lies of culture of humanity

Ancient Greek had its elitism off the reality

Living by the idea was an evidence

He gave the ideology of Cynicism a substance

The ancient Greek elite kept his activities in private 

 Diogenes’ lifestyle of copulation and defecation in public exposed his mate.

The double-standard cutture was typical among the elites.

Diogenes’ idea of Cynicism  unveiled the truth the less-considered minorities.

Iii)

Politicians are seen as great tools for change

But are concerned from what they to gain  the meagre wage

Politicians unveils to their subjects  what they want to hear

But ensure they utterly steer clear

Politicians encourage the use of vaccine shots

But they immune themselves from the faults.

Politicians appear to be selfless in service

But are really spineless-to the people in terms of importance

Politicians assure people change is on the way

But eventually leave them in dismay

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.