DUSHANBE, September 1, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- A total of some 4,000 general schools in Tajikistan opened their doors to students this academic year and more than 160,000 first-graders went to school today.

On September 1, ceremonial line-ups were held in all general schools across the country and as usual, the new school year started with a Lesson of Peace.

According to the Ministry of Education (MoE), 18 new schools have been built in the country this year.  Besides, 86 additional buildings and 30 renovated schools will be opened in Tajikistan within the next few days.

The source at a MoE added that another 16 new schools, 53 additional buildings and six renovated schools would be put into exploitation this year.  

A total number of school students in Tajikistan is now more than 1.61 million.

Today, President Emomali Rahmon is expected to attend a ceremony of opening of a new education building at Tajik University of Commerce.