Sapat Schools: Maarif Foundation Secures $2.5 Million Investment Promise
Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan Meets with Turkish Ambassador and Maarif International Foundation Representatives
On January 17, Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, Nurlanbek Azygaliev, met with Turkish Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Ahmet Sadık Dogan and representatives of Maarif International Foundation. The main topic of discussion was the expansion of relations between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, with a focus on deepening cooperation in the field of education.
During the meeting, the transfer of Sapat educational institutions to the management of Maarif Foundation was also addressed. Azygaliev emphasized the importance of ensuring that the transfer does not have a negative impact on the quality of education in the country.
Representatives of Maarif Foundation reassured that the educational process will continue without interruption. They mentioned that efforts are being made to inform and involve teaching staff, students, and parents in the transition. Additionally, the foundation plans to attract $2.5 million in investments to address current challenges and enhance the educational infrastructure.
Furthermore, Maarif Foundation intends to provide significant financial support to improve school facilities, renovate buildings, enhance education quality, and recruit top international teachers. The foundation operates in 55 countries and collaborates closely with 112 countries in the field of education, with its first school in Kyrgyzstan established in 2016.
In December 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers announced the transfer of Sapat network of educational institutions to Maarif Foundation’s management. The Ministry of Education and Science assured that this move would not affect the teaching staff, and students would continue their education under the same conditions.
However, some parents later reported that 28 teachers had left schools, including 12 in the Chingiz Aitmatov Lyceum and two in Aichurek Lyceum. Despite this, the collaboration between Kyrgyzstan and Maarif Foundation remains focused on enhancing education standards and opportunities for students in the country.
