"President Orders Equalization of Education Quality Between Urban and Rural Areas"
In a bid to improve the quality of education and bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, the Kazakhstan government is implementing a series of initiatives. The key focus of these reforms is on enhancing the social status of teachers, increasing their salaries, and modernising education in rural regions.
Teacher Salary and Stipend Increases
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced an increase in stipends for students at pedagogical universities to 84,000 tenge for the current academic year. This move is aimed at attracting more quality teaching candidates. Additionally, teachers' salaries have been increased in recent years as part of broader education sector reforms.
Legal Protection for Teachers
A proposal is being considered to amend the Law “On the Status of a Teacher” to prevent penalising educators for incidents occurring outside school premises, thereby enhancing their social status and security.
Technology Integration and Teacher Training
Kazakhstan is integrating AI education early in schools and training teachers to use modern digital tools in their pedagogy. This includes the rollout of an anti-bullying program “DosbolLIKE” and a unified educational program “Adal Azamat” across all schools.
Expanding Infrastructure and Internet Access
By 2026, over 2,000 schools will be equipped with high-speed internet across Kazakhstan, including rural regions, bridging the digital divide for students and teachers.
International Collaboration and Advanced Training
Partnerships with US universities and initiatives like dual-degree programs provide Kazakh students and educators with exposure to global standards and practices. This international cooperation aims to improve the quality of higher education and teacher training.
Free AI and IT Training Programs
Extensive nationwide projects provide free AI education for all ages, including remote areas. Institutions like the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies offer free training in cutting-edge fields, benefiting rural youth and future educators.
These combined efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy by Kazakhstan’s government to improve educational quality, raise teachers’ salaries and social status, and modernize education especially in underserved rural areas. The focus on meritocracy, technology adoption, and strong international partnerships underpins these reforms.
President Tokayev also emphasised the importance of eliminating disparity in education quality between urban and rural areas. With more than 60 schools having opened and around 30 currently under construction with funds from the Education Infrastructure Support Fund, and over 1,000 schools having been commissioned for over a million students, the government is making significant strides towards this goal. Last year, two teachers received the "People's Teacher of Kazakhstan" title, and over 4,000 rural schools have had their material and technical base modernized over the past four years.
The president also highlighted the need for teachers to continuously learn and adapt their teaching methods. To this end, over 13,000 grants are available for education majors this year, encouraging continuous learning and professional development among educators.
References: [1] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategic Plan [2] TUMO Centre for Creative Technologies [3] University of Central Missouri – Kazakhstan [4] Digital Kazakhstan [5] Fulbright Program in Kazakhstan
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