— Hello!
— We would like to discuss the issues raised at the IV People's Kurultai.
One of the central topics discussed by the delegates was the lack of educational institutions. It was mentioned that in some classes, there are up to 40–50 students, and the delegates called for a solution to this problem. Is there a connection with the transition to 12-year education?
No, it is not related to the transition to 12-year education.
I have already raised this issue in my previous interviews.
The problem of school shortages existed even before the introduction of 12-year education.
For example, last year, about 140–150 thousand children were enrolled in grades 1–2.
According to the electronic diary "E-Kündölük," the expected number of students for the 2025–2026 academic year is as follows:
1st grade - 106,015 students,
2nd grade - 124,593 students.
For comparison, in 2015, the total number of students was 1,043,356,
and by 2025, the number of schoolchildren increased to 1,536,633, which is almost 500 thousand more.
This is related to population growth and increased internal migration to cities, which created the need for building new schools and kindergartens.
Currently, systematic measures are being taken to address this problem.
Since the beginning of 2025, the construction of 134 educational facilities has been completed with funds from the republican budget.
Among them are 60 schools and 28 kindergartens, as well as major repairs in 41 schools and 5 kindergartens.
Additionally, 16 schools and 13 kindergartens (a total of 29 facilities) have been built with various funding sources.
Across the country, 163 educational facilities have been completed, of which 117 are new constructions, and 46 are major repairs.
In 2022, 15 schools were built in Bishkek, and in 2023, it is planned to build 20 in the capital, 10 in Osh, and 6 in Manas.
Construction will begin in February and be completed in September.
The greatest need for schools is observed in these three cities.
Thus, the problem will be addressed in stages.
In addition, 216 schools and 107 kindergartens are at various stages of construction across the country.
By 2026, it is planned to complete and put into operation at least half of them.
As for the transition to 12-year education, it is a necessity of the time.
Firstly, it corresponds to global standards,
secondly, it is a requirement of the global educational market.
We cannot afford to lag behind in integrating our educational system into the international educational space.
Neighboring countries have already completed this process or are at its stage.
In 2029, the first graduates of the 12-year education system will receive their diplomas.
Otherwise, our graduates from schools that do not meet international standards will have to undergo an additional year of preparation when applying to foreign universities.
Thus, the transition to a 12-year education system has become an objective necessity.
This is a global requirement. Without access to the international educational space, we face challenges in training specialists who meet the demands of the global labor market.
For Kyrgyzstan, it is extremely important to form human capital capable of competing in the global economy.
The 10–11-year education system has fulfilled its historical function, but it was aimed at supporting a planned-command economy.
Today, there is a need to prepare competitive specialists for a market economy, and we must not lag behind these processes. This is a system that ensures early professional self-determination.
- Another question that concerned the delegates was about housing being constructed by the State Mortgage Company (GIK).
Citizens, including labor migrants, expressed the opinion that the cost of GIK apartments is high. Is there a possibility of lowering prices or expanding the list of social categories?
— We are guided by long-term goals.
Firstly, the housing offered through GIK is arranged for 25 years without a down payment.
In Bishkek, under the state housing program, the cost of one square meter of housing ranges from 900 to 1,000 US dollars depending on the area and within the frameworks of the "Social," "Preferential," and "Affordable" mortgage programs.
Under the "Social mortgage" (for single mothers, people with disabilities, guardians) and "Preferential mortgage" (for teachers, doctors, and civil servants), housing is provided at 4% per annum for 25 years without a down payment.
For "Affordable mortgage" (for citizens working in the private sector), the rate is 8% for 25 years also without a down payment.
In shared construction, the cost per square meter ranges from 1,000 to 1,400 US dollars depending on the location of the facility, and the apartments are delivered in a "turnkey" format.
In the suburbs, the price is lower, while in central and elite areas, it is higher.
The housing sold on a shared basis is mainly intended for compatriots working abroad. In this case, citizens do not stand in line for housing, as they pay 50% of the apartment's cost as a down payment, and the remaining amount is paid in installments over a period of up to 15 years.
Compared to market prices, in the same areas, the cost per square meter in new buildings without finishing can reach 2,000–3,000 US dollars.
At the same time, GIK facilities are offered in fully finished form at more affordable prices.
GIK is forced to set a small markup on the cost of housing sales; otherwise, the company would not be able to carry out construction on such a scale. Funds from citizens waiting for apartments, as well as from those who buy housing out of turn, go to support GIK's activities and further construction.
As of the end of 2025, housing has been provided for 4,662 families.
In 2024, this figure was 1,197 families. Currently, 80,245 apartments with a total area of 5.4 million square meters are under construction across the republic.
In 2026, it is planned to put into operation 20,021 apartments, including:
Bishkek — 6,323,
Chuy region — 3,129,
Manas — 3,219,
Issyk-Kul region — 2,266,
Osh region — 1,458,
the city of Osh — 1,454,
Batken region — 1,420,
Naryn region — 433,
Talas region — 319 apartments.
Thus, we are focusing on long-term goals. GIK has set itself the task of providing the construction of modern residential buildings with European conditions not only in cities but also in all rural areas over the next 10–15 years. This task has been assigned to the State Mortgage Company. If GIK were to sell housing solely at cost, the company would not be able to fulfill this task in the future.
To date, GIK has established itself as a major institution with a charter capital of 87.5 billion soms, which is planned to be increased to 200 billion soms.
If the company sold housing only at cost, it would quickly face bankruptcy, considering the 25-year mortgage term, the impact of inflation, and minimal profitability. Therefore, the current pricing policy is justified.
At the same time, the possibility of creating a separate queue or providing additional benefits for labor migrants is being considered. An additional analysis will also be conducted regarding the issue of reducing housing prices for people with disabilities.
