How much does it cost Uzbeks to prepare their children for school?
How much does it cost to prepare a child for school in Uzbekistan?
With just a few days left until the start of the new school year, preparations are in full swing at the capital's markets. A Daryo journalist conducted a price survey of essential goods to determine the average cost to parents of preparing one child. The school fair at Chorsu Market and the Chilanzar clothing market were visited for this study.
**"One child costs between 600,000 and 1 million soums"**
The school fair in Chorsu is seeing a significant flow of shoppers. Some parents began shopping well in advance, while others only arrived at the market the day before the school year.
Family expenses per child vary. According to one shopper, this year's school preparation costs for one child range from 1 to 1.5 million soums. A parent sending three children to school estimated that the total cost can reach around 6 million soums. This amount includes not only uniforms but also shoes, backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies.
Some parents are looking to cut costs by using clothing and school supplies left over from the previous school year. "I was expecting to spend 600,000 soums. The prices seem reasonable, so I think that should be enough," shared one shopper.
According to sellers, the cost of school supplies depends on their type and quality. Basic stationery will cost at least 200,000-300,000 soums, but choosing more expensive options can significantly increase the cost.
**How much does a school uniform cost?**
School uniforms make up a significant portion of expenses. At Chorsu Market, boys' shirts cost between 80,000 and 170,000 soums, and dress pants between 100,000 and 220,000 soums. Girls' skirts start at 75,000 soums, and blouses start at 65,000 soums. School shoes cost between 180,000 and 250,000 soums, with higher-quality models costing around 200,000-240,000 soums. According to some sellers, a complete school outfit for one child can cost approximately 1.5 million soums.
At the Chilanzar clothing market, prices also depend on the quality and type of goods. School uniforms alone start at approximately 600,000 soums.
**Stationery**
The prices for basic school supplies at the markets are as follows:
* 12-sheet notebook: 300-1,000 soums
* 36-sheet notebook: 1,500 soums
* 48-sheet notebook: 2,000 soums
* Pen: 500-3,000 soums
* Colored pencils: 15,000-35,000 soums
* Paints: 10,000-18,000 soums
* Erasers: about 3,000 soums
* Compasses: 15,000-35,000 soums
* Pencil case: 10,000-35,000 soums
* Album: 10,000-15,000 soums
* Diary: 10,000-20,000 soums
School backpacks cost from 100,000-200,000 to 350,000-500,000 soums.
**"This year it's more expensive than before"**
Parents' opinions on prices are divided. Some say they planned ahead, while others note that the prices turned out to be higher than expected. "This year the prices are higher than before," said one shopper. However, other parents note that the cost depends on the items chosen, and that buying more affordable options can reduce expenses.
On average, basic school supplies cost 200,000-400,000 soums, uniforms start at 600,000 soums, and a child's complete school education can cost 1,000,000-3,000,000 soums or more. The final cost depends on the quality and manufacturer of the items, as well as the parents' choice.
Earlier, the Competition Development Committee called on businesses to prevent unjustified price increases at school fairs. Shoppers who encounter artificially inflated prices can call 1159.