Starting the New Academic Year in Kazakhstan
This academic year, over 3.9 million Kazakh schoolchildren are set to embark on their educational journey in 7,859 schools across the country, as announced by the Kazakh Ministry of Education on August 27. Among them are more than 350,000 first graders, with nearly 70% of them choosing to study in the Kazakh language.
Furthermore, this year marks a milestone with the highest number of graduates in history – totaling 219,000 students. With Kazakhstan’s young and rapidly growing population, accommodating the increasing number of students requires a comprehensive strategy. This academic year signifies a significant step forward in this endeavor, with many schoolchildren starting their educational journey in Comfortable Schools.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s ambitious Comfortable Schools project, introduced in his 2022 state-of-the-nation address, has progressed from an idea to a reality. This project aims to address longstanding issues in the education sector, such as student place shortages and three-shift schools.
By 2025, the Comfortable Schools project aims to create 800,000 student places that meet modern standards, eliminating the issues of emergency and three-shift schools. Currently, 208 schools accommodating over 434,000 students are under construction nationwide, with 20 schools expected to be operational by September 1, 2024, providing space for 57,000 students. The remaining schools are slated for completion by the end of 2024.
The construction of new schools is a top priority for the government and regional administrations, as emphasized by President Tokayev. The project aims to foster children’s comprehensive development and bridge the educational infrastructure gap between urban and rural areas. Notably, funds recovered through trials of corrupt officials are allocated to school construction, contributing to the development of educational infrastructure.
The Comfortable School project, led by Samruk-Kazyna Construction in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, focuses on creating a modern, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Each school is equipped with advanced facilities, including STEM laboratories, robotics rooms, and dance halls, to enhance students’ educational experience. Moreover, these schools prioritize inclusivity, with facilities for children with special needs to learn in a barrier-free environment.
Supporting Kazakhstan’s domestic industry, all furniture and equipment used in these schools are sourced from local manufacturers, aiding in the growth of the national economy. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also contributes to job creation and the development of local industries, extending the project’s impact beyond the education sector.
