Additional features
-
Night mode
Youth leaders allegedly forced to purchase "Ibrat Academy" premium subscription; Youth Affairs Agency denies claims
Reports have surfaced on social media alleging that youth leaders within the Youth Affairs Agency were instructed to purchase the premium version of the "Ibrat Academy" app. However, the agency denied issuing such an order, stating that it would investigate if any such cases were confirmed.
Photo: Youth Affairs Agency
Social media posts claimed that employees within the agency’s system were being pressured to buy the paid version of "Ibrat Academy", a project affiliated with the Youth Affairs Agency. Some posts suggested that certain civil servants were required to purchase the premium subscription.
"There are also reports that obtaining certain certificates is being 'voluntarily mandatory' for some government employees. Perhaps this issue will also be clarified if an open discussion takes place," an X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
Another user confirmed the claim, stating, "Youth leaders are being forced to purchase the 'Super Start' project. They didn’t pressure me because I already have an IELTS certificate."
A youth leader who spoke to Kun.uz also described the directive as "voluntarily mandatory." According to them, local branches of the Youth Affairs Agency frequently ask youth leaders how many people have purchased the app.
An employee who has already subscribed to the paid version mentioned that the project does not offer knowledge beyond what is taught in schools.
To clarify the situation, Kun.uz contacted the press service of the Youth Affairs Agency, which denied issuing any directive requiring leaders to purchase the premium version of the app. "If concrete evidence emerges, we will investigate the matter," an agency representative stated.
"Ibrat Academy" is part of the "Ibrat Farzandlari" language-learning project, launched in 2022. Initially, the project was funded by the state budget and aimed to provide free foreign language education to young people. However, a paid version has since been introduced.
According to the Youth Affairs Agency, the paid version was launched to ensure the project's self-sustainability. "No government funding has been allocated for this project, including 'Super Start,'" an agency representative explained.
The "Super Start" subscription, which includes 216 lessons, is priced at 159,000 UZS, with a discounted rate of 127,000 UZS.
