For the benefit of children: first comfortable schools opened in Kazakhstan
In 2022, in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev instructed to implement a pilot national project ‘Comfortable School’ to solve the problems of shortage of pupil places, three-shift education and emergency schools.
The first educational facilities built under the leadership of Samruk-Kazyna Construction JSC within the framework of the national project opened their doors on 1 September - on Knowledge Day. Only in Astana the first bell rang in 9 new modern comfortable schools. First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tamara Duisenova, Akim of Astana Zhenis Kasymbek, Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev took part in the opening of educational institutions.
Also in Akmola, Almaty, Karaganda, Zhambyl regions and Almaty city the first bell sounded in educational institutions built within the framework of the national project. Heads of regions and other political figures took part in the solemn events.
How do comfortable schools differ?
Schools built under the national project have 7 design capacities: 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1500, 2000 and 2500 seats.
Firstly, the area of comfortable schools is 15-20% larger than that of ordinary typical schools, and the share of technical equipment is 4 times higher.
Secondly, there is a large number of sports halls. For example, schools with 300 seats have 1 large gym, while schools with 600 seats have 1 large and 1 small gym. Comfort schools with 900 and 1200 seats have 1 large and 2 small gyms. Facilities with 1500 seats have 1 large and 3 small gyms, while schools with 2000-2500 seats have 2 large and 2 small gyms each.
Thirdly, a barrier-free environment for special children has been created, with ramps, lifts, special toilets and inclusive education rooms.
Fourthly, there is a drinking fountain on each floor and a locker for each pupil to store personal belongings.
Fifthly, all comfortable schools are built to the same standard. Urban and rural educational institutions do not differ from each other in appearance or internal equipment.
Sixth, educational institutions are equipped with advanced STEM-labs, robotics rooms, a choreography room, recreation and co-working areas.
Seventh, the schools are equipped with state-of-the-art video surveillance and entrance control systems. The buildings fully comply with fire, sanitary safety and other requirements.
After commissioning, all comfortable schools were transferred to the balance of local executive bodies. The new educational facilities are public with free education.