Local residents of the village of Kara-Bulak still highly appreciate the contribution of teacher Karamat Zakirova to the development of the educational institution.
Karamat Zakirova worked as a teacher for over 44 years. The building of the Kara-Bulak secondary school, designed for 150 students, was constructed and put into operation in 2002 using the method of ashar. According to locals, she led the construction process. Even students from grades 6-7 participated in this process.
“I am now 70 years old. In 1974, I graduated from a pedagogical college in the Jalal-Abad region and began my career as a primary school teacher in Kara-Bulak. For over 44 years, I have been teaching children,” she said.
The old school where we worked was built about 80 years ago and was in a state of emergency. Students studied in conditions far from ideal, in three shifts. Therefore, in 2002, we decided to start building a new school. It was a difficult time, and the construction was challenging,” Zakirova noted.
The teacher added that there was an unfinished building in the village, owned by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and we proposed to convert it into a school. However, it was in such a condition that it was destroyed down to the roof level.
“After coordinating with local authorities and obtaining a plot, we began construction using the method of ashar. To raise funds, we organized a marathon. In conditions of general poverty, we managed to collect only 36,000 soms, which allowed us to lay the foundation for three classrooms and one hall. Then we collected one or two poplar trees from each yard, and the entire school staff was involved in harvesting. Thus, women, men, and even students from grades 6-7 actively helped in the construction, and the walls of the new school were built thanks to the unity of the local population,” she said.
The roof for the school was purchased and donated by the late Bayaman Erkinbaev, and we installed it also using the method of ashar. In addition, we managed to attract sponsors for the interior repairs, and overcoming many difficulties, we completed the construction.
The construction, which began in March 2002, was completed in September, and the new school for 150 students opened its doors to pupils.
“I especially remember the days leading up to the start of the school year. When there was only one day left until September 1, the teachers painted the classrooms all night, preparing the school for the arrival of the children. In the morning, they came to the meeting with their hands and faces covered in paint,” she added.
Currently, more than 300 students study at the Kara-Bulak Secondary School named after Zakir Abdykarimov, and the staff consists of over 30 teachers. Karamat Zakirova worked at the school for 44 years, of which she served as the principal for more than 15 years.
