Uzbekistan to launch Second Chance project for formerly incarcerated youth

The project is aimed at helping youth released from penitentiary institutions acquire skills in demand and improve their employment prospects through structured training programs.

Under the initiative, participants will enroll in intensive 8-12 month courses designed to equip them with in-demand competencies. The curriculum will include programming, web design, computer engineering, as well as other professions aligned with labor market needs. Foreign language instruction will also form part of the program.

Upon completion of the courses, graduates are expected to gain access to higher-paying job opportunities, facilitating their successful return to society and reducing the risk of reoffending.

The system will be introduced from June 1 in Navoi, Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions. Starting next year, the initiative is set to be expanded nationwide.