Cost of Educating Children in Villages Exceeds Bishkek Expenses
The cost of educating children in villages versus urban areas has sparked a debate in Kyrgyzstan, as Minister of Education Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva highlighted the disparity during a recent meeting of the Mekenchil parliamentary group. According to the minister, educating children in villages is more expensive for the state compared to the capital city of Bishkek.
MP Aybek Altynbekov raised concerns about the implementation of resolution No. 519, which aimed to optimize secondary educational institutions by closing schools with low student numbers and transferring the children to nearby schools with transportation provided. Former head of the Cabinet, Akylbek Usenbekovich (Japarov), stated that the maintenance of such schools costs the state 1 million soms per day due to old facilities and a shortage of teachers.
In response to Altynbekov’s comments about parents in villages sending remittances from working abroad, Minister Kendirbaeva emphasized the financial burden on the state, stating that it costs 55,000 soms per child in rural areas. Altynbekov argued that regardless of the costs, the ministry is obligated to educate all children, especially those whose parents contribute to the country’s economy.
The discussion also touched upon the challenges faced by students who have to commute long distances to reach other schools, often in poor weather conditions. Altynbekov raised concerns about the safety of students traveling on buses over long distances and holding the ministry accountable in case of accidents.
In light of these concerns, Minister Kendirbaeva announced that the optimization process of schools has been temporarily suspended. She promised to provide a more detailed response after analyzing the situation with the reduction of schools. The debate continues as the government grapples with the financial and logistical challenges of providing education to children in diverse settings across the country.
