Erkin Mukhammedov
The British Council, working in partnership with the Ministry of Higher and Secondary-Specialised Education, Uzbekistan, has inspired hundreds of educators to have greater ambitions for their professional development. Erkin Mukhammedov is one of the educators.
In 2004, Erkin was invited to participate in the Development for Uzbekistan English Teachers (DUET) programme, which aimed to improve the quality of English language instruction in Uzbekistan by providing training and support to Uzbek instructors. Erkin was a standout participant, despite being one of the younger individuals in the programme. Although Erkin was still a fresh MA holder from the Uzbekistan State World Languages University, he was involved in one of the most significant reform projects initiated by the British Council and the Ministry of Higher and Secondary-Specialised Education, Uzbekistan. He began teaching at the Westminster International University in Tashkent a few years later.
Erkin has maintained his affiliation with the British Council as he works across Uzbekistan, training teachers in English-language instruction. Erkin believes that the British Council inspired him to have a robust professional network, including colleagues across Uzbekistan and beyond.
"Due to massive reform projects, I got to know my colleagues very well from different regions of my country. Of course, in addition to professional connections and cooperation with the British Council, it motivated me to hone my skills and acquire new knowledge. It is important that we, as teacher-trainers, stay updated, upgraded, and upskilled to organize professional training for teachers in the country," Erkin explained.
In 2015, Erkin's excellence was recognised by the Hornby Educational Trust, which awarded him a prestigious grant. "I had an opportunity to do a master's degree at one of the top-ranked universities in the world - University of Warwick, UK, which has been one of the highlights of my life," Erkin recalled.
For Erkin, being a teacher is more than just a job. It has become his passion. This is the kind of activity that he is fond of doing. “I like working with adults. As I prepare for my classes, I read many articles and books, which helps me stay updated in the field. I love acquiring new knowledge and exploring new trends. Maybe this is what attracted me to the projects of the British Council."
Erkin sees a similar trend among his colleagues. In his view, the collaborative efforts of the British Council and the Ministry of Higher and Secondary-Specialised Education have made it a "badge of honour" for English language teachers to engage in professional development by improving their skills and gaining new credentials.
"Educators who remain committed to their development are enjoying new opportunities such as working in branches of foreign universities in Uzbekistan or winning scholarships from the "El-yurt Umidi" Foundation to study abroad," Erkin mentioned. "To make good money and have an exciting life, you don't have to work abroad. Provided that you are good at what you do, you can earn good money anywhere. You will always have excellent opportunities and offers," Erkin noted.
Amazingly, working with the British Council assisted Erkin in finding his place in Uzbekistan. Throughout numerous field trips and training sessions around the country, Erkin learned about diverse cultures and regions in his country and better understood his homeland.
As the British Council celebrates a quarter-century anniversary in Uzbekistan, Erkin is eager to share his best regards: "I wish the British Council every success in what they do and to have many more projects that could positively influence the lives of many teachers so that they, like me, could obtain a good education, experience, and skills. I am confident that the British Council will continue inspiring many more professionals."