She noted that the departure of children from the institution is a problem that has existed for a long time.
Such a statement surprised the deputies, who began to question whether the management feels personal responsibility for their charges and whether the center conducts activities aimed at analyzing the causes of failures in the system.
In response to questions, Zhainagul Jumabekova confirmed that she is aware of the seriousness of the situation that has arisen.
"Yes, I feel responsible. This is a common problem for all educators. We communicate with the children daily, discuss their problems, and seek solutions,"
Zhainagul Jumabekova
In December of last year, at the initiative of the deputies, a social development department was created, which conducted a review of each child's personal file. As a result of this review, two educators received disciplinary sanctions.
Vice Mayor Viktoria Mozgacheva explained that "Akniyet" is not a closed institution.
"Children do not escape from the center itself. It is not a place where they are locked up. They can freely go out to school for education. Problems may arise on the way: children may not reach the educational institution or may not return," the vice mayor added.
She also clarified the characteristics of the contingent at the "Akniyet" center, indicating that children in difficult life circumstances end up there: vagrants, beggars, and those who often run away from home. Additionally, minors in conflict with the law and children removed from families due to threats of violence are sent to the institution.
According to the social development department, among the missing teenagers are 15-year-olds who consciously decided to escape. At the time of their disappearance, they were aware of court decisions: one of them has a ruling on the deprivation of parental rights coming into effect on February 19, which implies a transfer to a boarding school, and two others are also undergoing court proceedings regarding the deprivation of rights.
However, the deputies did not find these arguments convincing. They emphasized that the director of "Akniyet" should show maternal care for the children and strengthen control over the work of the educators.
In Bishkek, there are two institutions under the social development department for children in difficult life situations: "Akniyet" and "Aidanek." "Akniyet" has a capacity of 74 places, while currently there are 36 children there (ages 3 to 17). The "Aidanek" center, which can accommodate 45 children, currently houses 33 children.
Deputy Kazybek Ergeshov inquired about the feasibility of merging these two institutions, considering their underutilization. However, Viktoria Mozgacheva disagreed with this proposal, explaining that the number of children constantly changes and these centers are not created for profit, but to protect the rights of minors.
Recently, the capital's Main Internal Affairs Directorate reported on eight teenagers who escaped in the last month, six of whom are residents of "Akniyet." On February 24, four of them were found, but it was not specified how many of them had escaped from the center.
