Uzbekistan
A Panel Discussion (3.13.19)
About the Panelists
- Kamola: moved to the U.S. 13 years ago, worked in school districts in Illinois, moved to Ohio a few years ago; works for Catholic Charities as an interpreter
- Delia: moved to the U.S. 15 years ago; works for Affordable Languages as an interpreter; Sycamore High School graduate
- Maya: moved to the U.S. 7 years ago; works at OBGYN center and for Affordable Languages as an interpreter
- Firuza, moved to the U.S. 2 years ago, Senior at Sycamore High School
- Hanifa: moved to the U.S. 5 months ago, Junior at Sycamore High School
Phrases/Greetings
Hello (formal)- Assalomu Alaykum!
Hi (informal)- Salom
Holidays and Religion
Major Holidays
(Note: Many people from Uzbekistan are Muslim (except Russians) and do not celebrate Christmas.)
New Years Dec. 31
Ramadan- Biggest Muslim holiday to celebrate the end of Eid and breaking of a long fast
Ramadan Hayit- a big celebration, food with families, rich families give to charities, new clothes, take a shower early in the morning and then wear something new
Q: How can teachers support students who are fasting?
Fasting = no water or food from sunrise to sunset- never eat pork
Sometimes they are tired, some kids try fasting, some do not, depends on the family and children
Q: Why do some of our younger students not know the name of their religion if we ask if they are Muslim or practice Islam?
Depends on if the family they explain Muslim, Islam or if they just know the holidays and that they don’t eat pork, maybe when they are older they can ask their parents why we don’t eat pork and can then understand, depends on the family
Q: Where do you go to practice your religion?
West Chester Mosque
Most families go on Fridays
Navruz- First day of Spring, March 21, big concerts, No School, dress up, outside fun, music, dance, visit family members, cooking samsa and homemade food to share
International Women’s Day, March 8, like our Mother’s Day, people give women cookies, flowers or perfumes, even give to coworkers, students give their teachers gifts
1st day of School- students bring a big bouquet of flowers to their teacher
Food
Uzbek food is always made from scratch, very healthy, natural, no drive-thrus
Summertime all the vegetables and fruit are growing; use to make healthy foods
Samsa
Shashlik
Plov
Shopping is done at a bazaars/markets
Sharing food with neighbors and friends
Always share food, we don’t say no I have an allergy or I don’t like it
It is disrespectful to decline, but you can say “I am so full, thank you so much.”
Languages
September 1, 1991- Uzbekistan gained independence from Russia
Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan
People from Uzbekistan’s capital, Samarkand, speak at least 2 or 3 languages: Uzbek and Russian, some Tajik
Some people may speak Tajik at home (not necessarily from Tajikistan), but then go to school with classes taught in Uzbek and take a Russian class.
Now some schools are teaching one English class each year starting in 1st grade.
Education
System Overview
They do not have school districts, parents choose which school, Uzbek or Russian
Parents transport kids to school
Parents must pay for private school but public school is free; Russian school is private
You can choose Uzbek school or Russian school at the elementary level or even for daycare
All students start school at 1st grade; age 7 (no mandatory kindergarten)
School year is September-May
School day is 6 days/week from 8am-4pm (Saturdays is half a day)
After school enrichment/sports/activities is similar to the U.S.
Gym class is twice a week 1st-12th and required
Uzbek curriculum is the same throughout the country
Class size less than 30, boys and girls go to school together
One building 1st-12, one computer room for all
LOTS Of homework-
Can always stay after school to ask the teacher
Parents hire teachers to come to their home
Parents are very involved in school, conferences, parents like the control to make sure their children are learning
Q: Why do many parents come to their children’s events at school, but not to conferences or curriculum night, even when we offer interpreters?
Many embarrassed since they don’t speak/understand English
Transportation, some women do not drive
No time- Some people come here work 2-3 jobs so they can make money and go back, many send money back
Secondary
High school can have Russian class twice a week
Firuza’s Schooling Experience - Uzbekistan vs. US
Not very different, but Uzbekistan high school is harder, more subjects (7 subjects one day, then 7 different subject the next day)
Difficult to get into university, if you are rich you can pay to get in, otherwise you have to pass an entrance test
Many students take year off to study before taking the test for university
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities go to a special school or hospital school or not at all
Community sometimes is shy around a child with disabilities, some are embarrassed
Families will not usually bring their child to anything out in public, not even weddings
Parents typically keep their child at home
Early Childhood/Preschool
Some parents send children to daycare/kindergarten Mon-Friday.
Children get 3 meals, nap time similar to daycare here.
Not everyone goes.
Education depends on the school. Some may learn colors, numbers, etc.
Access to Technology
One computer lab for an entire school, 1st-12th
I like using a computer because its easier than writing everything
In the beginning, it was difficult, but now it is better
Math in our country is without any calculator or computer We have to do all by hand.
It makes you lazy and typing does not help you remember everything. Writing by hand you learn better and remember. Now I need glasses, it hurts my eyes
At home, we always use a pen on final exams.
Military
When a circumcision takes place it is like a big wedding day. Boys grow up to serve the country so at this celebration they dress up to look like they are in the military and hold a gun for photos.
It is mandatory for boys to serve 1 month in the army or 1 year in the army, to get a job in the government.
Service is required for men ages 18-21
Military discount for university (scholarship)
Girls are not allowed in the military, but there are some classes you can take to work the for military and then finish in the university.
Guns ownership by citizens is not legal. Only military and government can have guns and they are to remain at work at the end of the day.
Because of the above, toy guns are truly just playing, so parents don’t pay too much attention to it because it is all toys.
Other Important Cultural Differences
Uzbeks share everything about each other. For example, how old are you, how much money you earn. They have noticed this is very different in the U.S. and have to be careful.
Home is always an open door, don’t call or make an appointment, just show up
Children are always playing together with their neighbors or playing sports outside together
Our country is very safe. We have no worries about safety or crime.
Parenting:
Children must respect their parents and may be punished when they don't. Spanking is sometimes used, but no physical harm ever comes to their children.
Here in the U.S., it is difficult to maintain the parent/child structure because here when a child is mouthy, they will not punish fear of school calling the police.
Requests of U.S. teachers: Please tell the parents if a student misbehaves. Please teachers, be strict, teach them to be respectful and modest of all, but also specifically of their parents. Some lose respect for their parents here.
Boys are taught to be the head of the family, be a man, act like a man, to show manly strength, don’t cry. Boys fighting at school is VERY common in Uzbekistan. They protect each other and share together.
Girls act like a lady, be modest, dress modestly
Sexual misconduct brings shame to the family, it is very uncommon
There are no nursing homes there, so boys will take care of their parents and girls will take care of in-laws.
Most want their children to marry Uzbek, same culture
Q: Why do families go back home for weeks/months at a time? Many leave during the school year.
Maintaining their culture and language is extremely important, so they regularly go back to visit family and reimmerse in their home culture.
Summer months, good organic fruit, can all play together, very safe
Medical appointments and treatment is much less expensive
Some return to renew passports/visas/etc.
Sycamore Community Schools
Website: https://www.sycamoreschools.org/
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Phone: 513-686-1700
Twitter: @WeRSycamore