Among the appeals received by VB.KG, common themes and concerns stand out. Families express worry about the lack of support for children in the fields of culture, sports, and leisure in Kyrgyzstan. Parents raising multiple children believe that the absence of benefits for them when attending cultural events, such as museums and theaters, is unfair. They strongly urge the authorities to create a program similar to the "Pushkin Card" in the Russian Federation, which would allow children to access art for free or at significantly reduced prices.
Anara, a single mother raising four children, shares her struggles. She admits that she barely manages to make ends meet, with a large portion of the budget going to food, leaving little for the cultural development of her children. The woman recalls how one day her daughter said, "Mom, if we weren't here, you would be very rich." Anara bitterly points out the closure of free clubs in schools and the limited access to sports facilities. She is convinced that the lack of affordable leisure options fosters a negative attitude towards class differences and pushes children into questionable activities. "What would Aitmatov say about our time?" Anara wonders.
The Kubat and Saniya family, with three children aged from three to eight, also faces indifference from the entertainment industry. For example, visiting shopping malls becomes a real challenge, as adult supervision is required for access to play areas, making relaxation nearly impossible for large families. Parents note the absence of a well-thought-out policy on children's tourism and active outdoor recreation. In their opinion, urban parks could transform into educational centers with health trails and nature excursions, as implemented in other countries.
However, instead, the center of Bishkek has become an unsafe place: teenagers on electric scooters race through the alleys, frightening parents with small children. Observant individuals also note that the unique sculptures in Oak Park are in a neglected state, raising many questions from children. Kubat and Saniya emphasize that what surrounds a child at an early age shapes their personality. In conditions of neglect and lack of care, it is hard to expect that children will grow up with a love for order and beauty. Large families in Bishkek hope that their requests will be heard and that systemic support for children's leisure will emerge in Kyrgyzstan, as investments in culture and sports today are investments in the future of a safe and educated society.
