A plenary session of the August Conference of education workers took place in Astana. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, outlined key directions for reforms in the education sector, emphasised the importance of the teaching profession, and instructed the government to accelerate the introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The head of state also announced his intention to amend the Law "On the Status of a Teacher" to strengthen the protection of teachers' rights.
According to the press service of Akorda, the head of state congratulated the conference participants, noting that the meeting was dedicated to "quality education and worthy upbringing of the younger generation".
In his words, "a teacher is the beacon of the nation", and the daily work of educators shapes the intellectual potential of Kazakhstan. The head of state expressed gratitude for their contribution to the country's development and stressed that teachers carry out work of national importance.
The President noted that the principle of meritocracy is being established in Kazakhstan, and "the family-clan system in power no longer exists" — appointment to a position now depends on professionalism and knowledge. He emphasised that the formation of a "Just, Pure, and Strong Kazakhstan" requires not only the proclamation of changes but also their entrenchment in public consciousness, where a special role is given to educators.
According to the President, the education system budget has tripled since 2019. A total of 1,200 schools were commissioned, and within the framework of the "Keleshek mektepteri" project, 128 out of the planned 217 facilities have already been built. Over four years, teachers' salaries have doubled, and more than 500,000 educators receive additional allowances.
It was also reported that this year, over 13,000 grants were allocated for pedagogical specialities — interest in the profession is growing. Meanwhile, the number of incoming holders of the "Altyn belgi" award exceeded 2,000 people.
Furthermore, the President stated that all children should have equal opportunities, regardless of their place of residence. He noted that over the past four years, more than 4,000 rural schools have been modernised in the country.
In addition, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the anti-bullying programme "DosbolLIKE" is being introduced in schools and colleges, aimed at preventing bullying in children's and adolescent groups. Punishment for all forms of violence against minors has also been toughened, and QR codes for the psychological support service "111" have been placed in every school. The President stressed that "school should be a place where every child feels completely safe".
At the same time, Tokayev instructed the acceleration of the introduction of digital technologies and AI into the educational process. According to him, more than 95% of schools are currently equipped with high-speed internet. It is planned to increase this figure to 100% using satellite systems. The President noted that teachers must not only know their subject but also be able to apply modern technologies in their pedagogical practice.
The head of state proposed making changes to strengthen the protection of teachers' rights, in order to eliminate cases of them being held responsible for incidents beyond their control.
"I believe it is inappropriate to immediately punish teachers for any accident involving children. If such an incident occurs outside school or due to parental irresponsibility, the teacher should not be held accountable for it," the statement reads.
In conclusion, the President signed a decree awarding a number of educators with state honours, including conferring the title of "Қазақстанның еңбек сіңірген ұстазы" (Honoured Teacher of Kazakhstan) on five teachers.