Esen Booronbaev, the grandfather of two students, noted: "We gathered because we are concerned about the relocation of our school. We came to a unanimous opinion — to keep it in its current location."
Rumors of relocation after promises of renovation
There are only two schools for children with visual impairments in Kyrgyzstan — in Bishkek and Osh. The Bishkek boarding school, operating since 1939, requires serious renovation. Currently, more than 200 children study here, many of whom live at the school.In September of this year, a delegation led by the Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev visited the boarding school. After inspecting the old building, he instructed to begin preparations for the construction of a new modern boarding school.
However, rumors soon emerged that the new educational institution would be built in Chon-Aryk. "No one is denying these rumors, and the director does not answer our questions. She is under pressure. All decisions are made by the government, and we hope that we will be heard," parents shared their opinions.
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
Opposing opinions of parents
Many families are concerned about the lack of thoughtful logistics."To get here from the neighborhoods, it takes us one or two hours in traffic jams. For parents from Kara-Balta, it would be easier and cheaper to take the train. How are we all supposed to get to Chon-Aryk?" asks Nuriya Kurmanalieva, one of the mothers.
According to parents, many of them moved to this area specifically for convenience, to be closer to the school.
"Some parents bought apartments here when their children were still small so they could study at this school. We do not have the same choice as parents of healthy children," adds Kurmanalieva.
People have adapted their lives to this place. What are they supposed to do now? Stay without housing and look for a new one in Vorontsovka?
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
Meirim Abdurakhmanova raises five children, one of whom is blind. She sold her house in the private sector and bought an apartment near the school.
"We moved when my son lost his sight. We live here with five children in a three-room apartment for his education. If the school is relocated, I will have to sell my home again and look for a new one in another area. We want this school to stay in place," she says.
Families moved not only from Bishkek.
"After my son's death, I became the guardian of my grandson, who is blind. We sold our house in Jalal-Abad and moved here for his education in Bishkek. He is already deprived of sight; we hoped for better opportunities," says Datkayim Sadykova.
Datkayim Sadykova, grandmother and guardian of one of the students of the boarding school.
Elmira Seyitbekova shared that her daughter was born prematurely and has vision problems.
"We moved from Russia, where my daughter also attended a kindergarten for the visually impaired. She was born at six months and weighed 900 grams. One eye sees, the other does not. There is only one school for the blind in Bishkek and one in Osh. We have no other choice," she emphasizes.
Parents demand to build a new building on the current territory.
"These are the most vulnerable children. They face serious difficulties. Their school should not be relocated. We ask the government to build a new building in the city center for the sake of the children's future," Datkayim Sadykova addressed the authorities.
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
"These are the most vulnerable children." Parents ask not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
