“Second Chance”: 311 inmates in Uzbekistan are learning English and a trade
Across 11 penal institutions, 311 inmates aged 18–30 are being trained in English and computer literacy. In the first five months, 88.6% mastered the English A1 level and 79.5% reached computer-literacy proficiency.
A nationwide social-rehabilitation project called “Second Chance” (Ikkinchi Imkon) is teaching young inmates in Uzbekistan's penal institutions English, computer literacy and vocational skills. The project aims to prepare them for employment after release and to support their reintegration into society, reducing reoffending.
311 participants across 11 institutions
According to official data, the project began operating on June 1, 2026, in the Tashkent, Navoi and Kashkadarya regions. A total of 311 inmates aged 18–30 were selected from 11 penal institutions following testing and oral interviews, and they began intensive English and computer-literacy courses.
Results after five months
Final assessments conducted in the project's first five months showed that 88.6% of participants had successfully mastered the English A1 curriculum, while 79.5% demonstrated computer-literacy proficiency. The strongest results were in Kashkadarya and Navoi: in Kashkadarya the completion rate reached 96.6% for English and 98.3% for computer literacy; in Navoi the corresponding figures were 98.9% and 87.5%.
100% at two colonies
Two penal institutions — Colony No. 5 in Qiziltepa and Colony No. 3 in Qarshi — recorded a 100% success rate in both subjects. To ensure independent evaluation, participants' knowledge is assessed by external specialists.
What comes next
The project is privately funded. Authorities plan to expand the rehabilitation and employment initiative nationwide by 2027.
