DUSHANBE , January 20, Asia-Plus - On Thursday January 19, the Ministry of Education gave a news conference on the results of work carried out in 2005.

The Education Minister, Abdujabbor Rahmonov, speaking to journalists noted that to date, the republic has needed more than 700 additional schools. 

The minister stressed that Tajik authorities would support entrepreneurs investing in construction of opening of private schools in the republic.  According to him, local authorities in Khujand (capital of Sughd Province ) have already received application asking to provide an area for the construction of private school.    

Asked about introduction in secondary schools of subjects on history of religions and Islam, the minister said that a subject entitled “History of Religions” had been introduced for seventh-form pupils and a subject entitled “History of Islam” had been introduced for eighth-form pupils.  

“However, textbooks on these subjects have not been worked out so far,” Abdujabbor Rahmonov said, adding that a special group comprising teachers and clerics is currently working on preparation of these textbooks.