Head of State emphasises the need to promote a reading culture

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a number of initiatives aimed at developing cultural and scientific infrastructure for children at the August Conference of Educators. The Head of State placed particular emphasis on the need to promote a reading culture across the country.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that he had signed a relevant decree this year.

According to the President, the Government should engage more actively in this work with civil society activists, representatives of the creative and academic communities, the media and the business sector.

Natural history museums in the regions

The President stressed that strengthening human capital is impossible without fostering children’s interest in science. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev referred to international experience, where school science museums and research centres enable students to apply their knowledge in practice and make informed choices about their future professions.

“I consider it appropriate to establish children’s natural history museums in Astana, Almaty and a number of regional centres,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. The President expressed confidence that the initiative would receive support from sponsors.

Presidential libraries in four cities

The Head of State said that presidential libraries would open in Astana, Almaty and Kyzylorda within the next two years. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, similar libraries are also planned for Shymkent and other regional centres.

The President recalled that, under the Constitution, Kazakhstan is a secular state.

“Let us focus on the construction of educational institutions and on the development and continuous improvement of the education system,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged.

A shared responsibility of the state, teachers and parents

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised that raising the younger generation on the basis of progressive values is a shared responsibility of society. The President noted that only through joint efforts by the state, educators and parents can the conditions necessary for the harmonious development of children be created.

Concluding his remarks, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked teachers and expressed confidence that the country’s success would be underpinned by qualified educators and national unity.

“A teacher is the beacon of the nation. Their selfless work deserves special recognition,” the President concluded, wishing everyone a productive new academic year.