El-Yurt Umidi scholars share perspectives on accountability, investments in education, and future plans for Uzbekistan

Kun.uz has conducted interviews with students who are studying in the USA, the UK, and Hong Kong through the "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation. They attribute their achievements to dedication to learning, relentless pursuit of goals, and continuous effort. Additionally, the scholars feel accountable to the people. They acknowledge that the funds spent on their education could have been directed to building schools, kindergartens, and numerous medical facilities, yet the state chose to invest in them. They believe that investment in education will surely pay off.

Gulbahor Nortojieva, 20, is currently studying at George Mason University in the USA, aspiring to become a chemist. At the age of 17, she embarked on her educational journey abroad as a scholar of the "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation. "Chemistry in Uzbekistan is a relatively young but necessary field for development. In the future, I aim to open a laboratory in Central Asia that has no analogs," says Nortojieva.

Bobur Turayev, 32, studied medicine in London, UK, and returned to Uzbekistan. Despite his young age, he has performed over 600 surgeries on children. "Medical professionals should be highly valued. Primarily, education should prioritize producing not just specialists, but scientists and intellectuals," the doctor emphasizes.

Humoyun Nasibqulov, 20, chose to study in Hong Kong. "Why should I choose a common destination that everyone else picks? I chose Hong Kong for its uniqueness, its status as Asia's financial hub, and the harmony between nature and the city," explains the future financier.

"I had many other options, but I chose Hong Kong. Firstly, it is one of Asia's financial hubs. Secondly, it offers a blend of pristine nature and skyscrapers. Thirdly, the university I chose hosts the most knowledgeable and talented youth from around the world. Studying there is not easy; the grading system is very tough. I've been interested in mathematics since childhood. I value places with competition. I didn't want to study at Westminster University in Tashkent, so I headed to Hong Kong. There, we also have the opportunity to intern at the most famous and leading companies," says Humoyon Nasibqulov.

During the interview, the youth discussed the challenges and benefits of studying abroad, living with homesickness and responsibility, and the tasks entrusted to them as foundation scholars. After graduation, the students intend to return to Uzbekistan to contribute to the development of society and the state’s economy. One plans to open a laboratory, another aims to conduct unique pediatric surgeries without leaving Uzbekistan, and the third intends to contribute to the digitization of the economy.