In recent decades, the sustainable development of society and the socio-economic progress of states have become more than ever dependent on the level of education, intellectual potential of citizens, and the quality of training of qualified professionals, as knowledge, science, educational culture, and scientific worldview form the foundation for long-term and sustainable national development.
Recognizing this reality, the Republic of Tajikistan has identified the development of education and vocational training as a priority area of state policy and has consistently implemented targeted measures to strengthen the scientific, cultural, and professional foundations of society.
Under these conditions, vocational education and the education system serve not only as a means of knowledge transmission but also as a key factor in shaping scientific thinking, technical worldview, public speaking skills, national identity, and in preparing active, educated, innovative, and responsible individuals.
Thanks to the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, a stable political, social, and cultural environment has been established in the country, creating favorable conditions for the development of science, general education, and vocational training. His wise and far-sighted policy has placed education and professional training at the core of state policy and aligned them with national strategic development goals.
The adoption of national strategies, programs, and directives, including the declaration of 2020–2040 as the Twenty-Year Period for the Study and Development of Natural, Exact, and Mathematical Sciences, clearly demonstrates the state’s special attention to the development of scientific, professional, and technical thinking.
The practical implementation of such a comprehensive policy requires effective mechanisms, one of which is the organization of republican competitions. These competitions serve as practical tools for identifying, developing, and motivating talented children and youth.
A number of republican competitions have been launched in the Republic of Tajikistan with the primary goal of identifying talented, knowledgeable, eloquent, inventive, and innovative individuals and fostering intellectually developed personalities. Among them are “Science – the Light of Enlightenment,” “The Book Is the Light of Dawn of Wisdom,” “Tajikistan – My Beloved Homeland,” “Tajiks – the Mirror of History,” “Shahnameh Recitation,” “Inventor and Innovator,” and other sector-specific competitions that play a vital role in the development of education and vocational training.
Each of these competitions contributes to the development of different aspects of youth personality, encompassing science, culture, rhetoric, and technical thinking. Scientific competitions encourage young people to study exact and natural sciences in depth, fostering analytical skills and problem-solving abilities essential for a knowledge-based economy.
Cultural and literary competitions play a significant role in developing oratory skills, linguistic competence, artistic thinking, and national identity. In particular, the republican “Shahnameh Recitation” competition engages youth in studying the immortal works of Abulqasim Ferdowsi, enhancing their expressive reading and public speaking skills, strengthening patriotism and pride in national history and culture.
Republican competitions also play a crucial role in the development of vocational education at primary, secondary, and higher levels. Competitions such as “Inventor and Innovator” motivate youth toward research, invention, and practical application of technical knowledge, strengthening ties between education, production, and the labor market.
In the context of digitalization, participation in competitions enhances digital literacy through the use of information technologies and electronic platforms. At the same time, teachers improve their professional skills and implement innovative teaching methods.
Overall, republican competitions have become one of the most effective instruments for advancing education, science, vocational training, and national culture in Tajikistan. They foster innovation, creativity, professional competence, and intellectual growth among youth, contributing significantly to the sustainable development and prosperous future of the Republic of Tajikistan.
NIZOMZODA Zakirjon Mukaram,
Director of the Technical College of TTU named after Academician M. Osimi
