At a recent meeting of the Zhogorku Kenesh, the head of the Ministry of Education, Dogdurgul Kendirbaeva, revealed that 92% of the budget is allocated for staff salaries, with only 2% set aside for student meals. This sparked criticism from deputy Kamila Talieva, questioning the feasibility of reforms if such a large portion is spent solely on wages. Talieva also highlighted issues with outdated furniture in schools and the lack of progress in providing textbooks.
Despite the government's decision to transition to a 12-year education system, Talieva emphasized the need to first improve the quality of education before extending the schooling period. The Ministry of Education defended its preparations for the transition, mentioning the opening of preparatory classes in each school for 6-year-olds to enter the first grade.
While the government is working on a roadmap for the shift to a 12-year education system, concerns remain about the current state of education, including the availability of textbooks and the overall learning environment. Talieva's call to prioritize educational quality before extending the schooling duration reflects ongoing debates and challenges within the education sector.
