In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, a round table discussion titled "Orphanage Graduate, Status - Nobody" took place.

Problems of Orphanage Graduates Discussed Again in Kyrgyzstan

A round table titled "Graduate of an orphanage, status - nobody" was held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event was attended by representatives of ministries, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, and non-governmental organizations involved in the protection of the rights of orphanage graduates.

In addition, graduates themselves participated in the discussion, noting that the government is not addressing their issues, and that support for the youth is being provided by members of the business community.

Igor Belyaev, director of the "Protection of Orphaned Children's Rights" foundation, emphasized that the housing problem at the "top" is still unresolved.

- Our foundation has repeatedly appealed to many ayil okmotu and city administrations with a request to provide land for the construction of housing or the opening of a center for orphanage graduates. We were told that there is no available land. We also searched for land for a workshop to train graduates in sewing with subsequent employment. In the end, it was provided to us by businessmen. We have already signed a memorandum, and the workshop will appear in 2018. I would like to thank the Ministry of Education for granting a license for training children, - he said.

Deputy Natalya Nikitenko also spoke about the bleak situation regarding housing for graduates.

- There was once a decision by the Bishkek city administration, describing available plots where houses for orphanage graduates could be built. A plot was even allocated on the Southern Highway. But that was where it stopped. Now there are two more initiatives being legislated. The first is to explore the possibility of gradually building free housing for orphanage graduates. The second is to create personal accounts for graduates and deposit certain funds into them, which could then be used to purchase housing or for education, - the deputy explained.

It is worth noting that there are some positive shifts, albeit small. The head of the Public Fund "Our Voice," Ainura Ormonova, reported that orphanage graduates can now receive free medical assistance at clinics.

- Now, orphanage graduates can go to the clinic, show a certificate confirming their status as graduates of orphanages, and receive the same services provided by the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund for orphaned children. If they do not have registration, local self-government bodies are obliged to resolve the issue. After obtaining registration, the graduate will be able to get a passport, - she concluded.

Despite the fact that yesterday's orphanage residents will be provided with registration, very few of them are aware of how to obtain it and whom to complain to in case the authorities fail to fulfill their obligations.

Graduates emphasized that legal literacy lessons need to be introduced in orphanages and boarding schools; otherwise, the youth will not know their rights.