Tokayev: We are a nation of winners

A plenary session of the annual Conference of Kazakhstani Teachers with the participation of President Tokayev held in Astana.

At the Republican August Conference of Educators, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised that fostering a new ethic in society, based on respect for the law, integrity and a culture of behaviour, begins at school.

“We are a nation of winners, ready to overcome all challenges and threats,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, adding that he does not intend to attribute failures to the historical past or to other nations. The President stressed that he already sees these qualities in Kazakhstan’s younger generation today.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that productive work is the highest form of self-realisation and that it is the responsibility of the state to duly recognise the contribution of every citizen. The President wished educators a productive new academic year.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that there are currently around 7 mln children in Kazakhstan. Together with young people, they account for almost half of the country’s population.

School as a second home

According to the President, without the proper moral upbringing of the younger generation, new schools and educational technologies will remain an empty form devoid of substance. “It is important that children go to school with joy and enthusiasm,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The Head of State described school as a place where a child not only acquires knowledge and interacts with peers, but also experiences the happiest years of childhood and adolescence. The President stressed that every school across the country should embody this ideal.

New subjects in the school curriculum

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reported that, pursuant to his instruction, the subject “Fundamentals of Law” has been introduced in schools starting from this academic year. The curriculum is also being expanded to include the courses “Fundamentals of the Constitution” and “Law and Order.”

The President explained the rationale behind these changes in straightforward terms: only young people who respect the law and the Constitution can build a prosperous future, whereas disregard for legal norms can result in criminal liability and a ruined future. “Our task is to convey this fundamental principle of life to every one of them,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, adding that the content of school textbooks should reflect the principles of the new Constitution.

Expanding the “Adal Azamat” programme

The President also addressed the “Adal Azamat” educational programme, noting that it is currently implemented primarily within the secondary education system. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the need to expand its coverage, as fostering young people’s values and civic attitudes cannot be the responsibility of schools alone.

The Head of State also recalled his instruction to introduce uniform standards for environmental education in schools and higher education institutions. According to the President, the Government is expected to complete this work by the end of the current year.