President Almazbek Atambayev: “The pursuit of knowledge is the key to success in the modern world.” Today, August 29, 2014, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev awarded presidential scholarships to distinguished students of the country's universities.
During his speech, the Head of State congratulated the scholarship recipients, who were among the best out of over 200,000 students from 52 higher educational institutions in the country, on receiving presidential scholarships. “Today, the best students of the country are gathered here, and there are only 56 of them. This indicates that a very thorough and meticulous selection process was conducted. This is a great achievement, and I sincerely congratulate you! I wish you all happiness and good health! May you become good people, strong and successful specialists! For the benefit of Kyrgyzstan, for the happiness and joy of your parents and loved ones!” said Almazbek Atambayev.
The President thanked the scholarship recipients for their perseverance and efforts, and their parents, teachers, and loved ones for their support.
The Head of State emphasized that the pursuit of knowledge is the key to success in the modern world. “It is important to value this time and the opportunities it provides. Your main task is not to waste your youth, but to acquire and accumulate as much knowledge as possible. Today you are laying the foundation for your life, your future. If the foundation is poor, you will not be able to build a good structure, a good future! Therefore, the foundation must be strong and solid,” said Almazbek Atambayev.
The Head of State mentioned that the country invests billions of soms in education every year, accounting for over 20% of the state budget. “We have budget difficulties, but we invest money in our future. This is an investment in the future of our country, which I am sure will pay off many times over. Because we have no oil and gas. Our main wealth is our people. The most valuable thing is knowledge and skills! After all, it is an educated person who can build and create. People are the main wealth of our country! We are in great need of skilled specialists. Just recently, I encountered the fact that despite having its own research institute in the Ministry of Energy and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, their employees did not know that technologies for gas production from coal had long been developed. If this information had reached me earlier, perhaps there would have been a corresponding plant in southern Kyrgyzstan producing gas by now. The lack of skilled specialists in our ministries and agencies is a big problem,” said Almazbek Atambayev.
The Head of State also touched on existing problems in the education sector, noting that it is necessary to reform the higher education system and restructure the science system in the near future. “It is no secret that many students study only to obtain a diploma and demand positions. But, of course, there are those who strive and gain knowledge,” said Almazbek Atambayev.
“This year we declared the year of strengthening statehood, and in a few days we will celebrate our main holiday – the Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan. Today, the country needs initiative, educated young people who are able and willing to work for the country. We need a new Kyrgyzstan. I hope that soon young, successful individuals will come into politics, management, and parliament. And we will be able to build a truly strong country. For this, we do not need oil and gas, but we need our country to become a land of free, educated people,” said Almazbek Atambayev.
The Head of State wished the students perseverance and success in achieving their goals, strong health, and happiness. At the end of his speech, President Almazbek Atambayev awarded presidential scholarships to 56 distinguished students, granting them the right to receive monthly scholarships for a year.
Department of Information Policy of the Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic