“We gathered because we are concerned about the relocation of our school to Chon-Aryk. We are unanimous that the school should remain here,” shares Esen Booronbaev, the grandfather of two students.
Promises of renovation have turned into talk of relocation
There are only two schools for blind children in the country: one in Bishkek and the other in Osh. The Bishkek boarding school, which has been operating since 1939, is in urgent need of renovation. Currently, more than 200 children from all over the country study here, most of whom live permanently in the boarding school.In September, the institution was visited by a group of officials led by the chairman of the government, Adylbek Kasymaliev. Following the visit, he indicated the need to prepare for the construction of a new, modern boarding school.
“However, soon rumors began to circulate that the new educational institution would be located in Chon-Aryk. No one is denying these rumors, and the director is not responding to our protests. But she is also dependent on government decisions, and we hope that we will be heard,” say concerned parents.
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
Reasons for parents' dissatisfaction
Many parents express dissatisfaction due to insufficient attention to logistical issues.“It takes us one to two hours to get here from the neighborhoods due to traffic. For parents from Kara-Balta, it is now easier and more economical to travel by train. How are we all supposed to get to Chon-Aryk now?” questions Nuriya Kurmanalieva, one of the mothers.
Many parents have moved to this area from various corners of Bishkek and other regions to be closer to the school.
“Some of us bought apartments in this area in advance when the children were still in kindergarten, so that later we could send them to this school. We do not have the same choices as parents of healthy children,” emphasizes Kurmanalieva.
People have adapted their lives to this place. What are they supposed to do now? Look for housing again, but already in Vorontsovka?
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
Meerim Abdurakhmanova, who has five children, one of whom is blind, sold her house in the private sector and bought an apartment closer to the school for her son's education.
“We moved to this area when he lost his sight. We live here in a three-room apartment with five children to provide him with an education. If the school is relocated, will I have to sell my home again, look for a new one in another area, and move with the children? Of course, we want the school to stay in place,” she says.
Not only residents of Bishkek have moved to the area of the boarding school.
“After my son passed away, I became the guardian of my grandson, who is blind. We sold our house in Jalal-Abad and moved here for his education. He cannot see, and we hoped he would have better opportunities,” shares Datkayim Sadykova.
Datkayim Sadykova, grandmother and guardian of one of the students of the boarding school.
Elmira Seyitbekova shares that her daughter was born prematurely and, as a result, has vision problems.
“We moved from Russia, where my daughter attended a kindergarten for the visually impaired. She was born at six months weighing 900 grams. One eye can see, the other cannot. There is only one school for the blind in Bishkek and one in Osh. We have no other options,” she adds.
Parents are urging for a new building to be constructed on the current site.
“These are the most vulnerable children. They face great difficulties. The school should not be relocated. We urge the government to build a new building in the same place in the city center for the future of the children,” appeals Datkayim Sadykova to the authorities.
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
“These are the most vulnerable children.” Parents are asking not to relocate the boarding school for the blind from Bishkek.
