The Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan has prohibited the installation of a New Year’s tree in schools…allegedly at the request of parents.

Such a decision has allegedly been made at the request of parents for the purpose of preventing raising money and is aimed against wastefulness.  

“Many parents have called the ministry’s hotline asking for prohibiting raising money and installing a New Year’s tree in schools.  We have thought that it is expedient and taken such a decision,” Abdujabbor Aliyev, the head of the department for preschool and secondary education at the Ministry of Education and Science, told Asia-Plus in an interview.

At the same time, he noted that youth could participate in New Year’s celebrations that would take place in all districts of Dushanbe.

Recall, the education ministry issued a decree prohibiting putting up New Year’s tree in schools in universities for the first time two years ago.     

Tajik Education Minister Nouriddin Said, in particular, noted in December 2015 that “Cutting down New Year’s trees, or putting them up and decorating them, the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics, and giving gifts and fundraising for New Year celebrations by students is strictly prohibited.” 

Instead of holding celebrations, schools were encouraged to mount displays, as well literary and sporting events, to celebrate the festive end of year season.