The World Bank Group has ramped up its efforts to expand play-based early learning in Europe and Central Asia to enhance foundational skills among young children. The initiatives in Uzbekistan and Serbia have showcased significant improvements since the commencement of projects in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
In Serbia, the challenges prior to the World Bank's intervention were stark. Access to early childhood education (ECE) was below the European Union average, with significant disparities affecting Roma children. Only half of the Serbian children were enrolled in preschool, and less than 10% of the poorest families accessed these services compared to over 80% from wealthier backgrounds. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, struggled with high expenditures and a mere 27% enrollment, along with distinct urban-rural education gaps.
These challenges prompted the World Bank, which has tripled its investments in the region, to focus on improving the quality and accessibility of ECE programs. In Serbia, efforts included constructing new facilities and repurposing existing ones, while Uzbekistan adopted affordable half-day kindergarten models to increase utilization. Enhancing quality involved transforming teacher roles through innovative training and mentoring, as well as integrating technology-enhanced approaches.
Equity improvements saw Serbia implement municipal grants for tailored parent engagement initiatives, while Uzbekistan expanded access for marginalized children through the 2019 ECD Project, introducing a "one-stop" community model offering free services.
In Uzbekistan, efforts under the Promoting Early Childhood Development project increased preschool education coverage from 27% to 75% between 2019 and 2025. The Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care project in Serbia boosted enrollment for children aged 3 to 5.5 years from 52% in 2018 to 74% in 2024.
The World Bank contributed $50 million to Serbia's project and Uzbekistan's initiative received $59.5 million from the IDA, supplemented by various global partnerships aiming to strengthen ECE frameworks and public policy.
Strategic partnerships were crucial. In Serbia, efforts aligned with local governments, educational institutions, and the Novak Djokovic Foundation, alongside support from UNICEF and the European Union. Uzbekistan benefited from integrating national quality standards and professional development protocols for educators, setting a transformative agenda for the region’s future educational benchmarks.
These achievements underscore the World Bank's dedication towards human capital development by enhancing access and quality of early childhood education, proving to be instrumental in driving long-term economic and social dividends.