At a recent meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, Deputy Dastan Bekeshev put forward an initiative to change school uniforms to something more comfortable and modern.
According to Bekeshev, it is necessary to rethink the concept of dress code, viewing it through the lens of historical context.
“In the Middle Ages, the church set the tone for fashion, establishing standards of modesty in clothing. With the development of education in England, school uniforms were introduced for the poor, and then elite educational institutions began to create their own versions. Thus, this phenomenon spread around the world. However, not all countries require students to wear strict suits like we do. If you are not in a jacket and tie, a teacher may make a remark. Numerous appeals from students in Osh, Issyk-Kul, and Batken indicate that the uniform is uncomfortable at any time of the year,” he noted.
Bekeshev added that such requirements are remnants of the Soviet era.
“In China, students can wear sportswear, which, as studies show, has a positive effect on health. I am not suggesting that everyone switch to tracksuits, but at least a smart casual style would be appropriate. Why can't boys come in t-shirts and jeans, while girls always have to wear skirts?” the deputy expressed his dissatisfaction.
He called on the government to ease the requirements and develop regulations that allow schools to choose their own uniforms.
“I would suggest starting with the deputies. I understand that there are international protocols that require an official dress code, but not everywhere in parliaments do they wear jackets and ties. Clothing is often uncomfortable. It is necessary to reconsider old requirements, especially for visitors, because why should a guard check how a citizen is dressed?” concluded Bekeshev.
