The Akim of the Zhambyl region Yerbol Karashukeyev criticised the work of state bodies in protecting children's rights and ensuring their safety and instructed them to review the existing approaches in the region.
"Instead of working systematically on problematic issues, heads of organisations are trying to cover up the facts. They will undoubtedly be held accountable, up to and including dismissal. But that will not solve the problem," Karashukeyev noted.
The head of the region noted the need to identify violations by school administrations in a timely manner and respond promptly. Furthermore, Karashukeyev instructed to improve the effectiveness of local police inspectors.
He also set tasks to organise a single helpline to assist victims of bullying, increase the number of CCTV cameras in educational institutions and connect them to the operational control centres of the police department.
In addition, the Akim pointed out the importance of improving the qualifications of school psychologists, noting that they should promptly report problems to the education department and make important decisions regardless of the school leadership.
Overall, the head of the region gave an unsatisfactory rating to the work of the relevant bodies in the field of ensuring children's safety in the region. He noted that the number of complaints about problems in schools had increased on social media, and the level of crimes committed by minors had risen by 3.8%.
"Children should know how and where to turn in difficult situations and talk anonymously about what is worrying them. Posters with the helpline number should be put up in all classrooms. Professional psychologists should work with children to build trusting relationships. Children should feel safe everywhere and speak openly about what is bothering them," the regional akim noted.
Recall that at the beginning of May, it became known that a ninth-grader beat an eighth-grader in an outdoor toilet of one of the rural schools in the Zhambyl region. As a result, the victim teenager died.
During the meeting on issues of protecting children's rights and ensuring their safety, it was also noted that most accidents occur outside of school hours, in connection with which it is necessary to strengthen interaction with parents in the education, upbringing and development of children.
The meeting also considered issues of preparing and conducting the UNT, measures for organising recreational rest, leisure and employment of children during the summer holidays, ensuring safety in camps and during the swimming season.
At the same time, Yerbol Karashukeyev instructed that measures be taken as soon as possible regarding three schools in the region which, it turned out, had been operating without the appropriate licence.