A video from Taraz has been circulating on social media, showing a teaching assistant hitting a five-year-old child on the head with a bag in kindergarten No. 36 "Buldіrshіn". The post includes a photo of the head injury, showing an open wound on the child.
According to the Telegram channel "HALYQSTAN", the incident occurred on 25 July before the evening walk. The city education department said that after the incident, staff called a nurse and the child received first aid.
"The mother was informed immediately. On the same day, the family went to the trauma department of the city children's hospital, where an X-ray was taken and surgical treatment was provided. Doctors prescribed daily dressings. The situation was explained to the parents, after which both parties reached a mutual agreement," said Raushan Kozhamzharova, head of the Taraz education department.
It has been reported that following an investigation, the teaching assistant and the methodologist were dismissed, and the group's teacher received a severe reprimand. The kindergarten management was instructed to conduct explanatory work with the staff.
Meanwhile, the police department of the Zhambyl region has opened a criminal case under Article 140 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Failure to fulfil duties regarding the upbringing of a minor"). Law enforcement officers are conducting expert examinations, interviewing witnesses, and establishing the details of the incident.
"The progress of the investigation is under the control of the leadership of the Zhambyl Regional Police Department. Each case of violation of a child's rights is examined individually and strictly in accordance with the law," the department reported.
Earlier, at the republican August conference for educators, it was reported that the country's first department for the protection of children's rights was created in the Aktobe region. It was noted that the project would be implemented jointly with the Commissioner for Children's Rights and gradually introduced in all regions of the country.
The creation of this department is particularly relevant in light of recent high-profile incidents involving children in preschool institutions. For example, in early August, a criminal investigation was launched in Atyrau following an incident at a private kindergarten "Ansar", where a five-year-old girl was injured. The child was hospitalised with a closed craniocerebral injury, concussion, and fractures to both arms.
The girl's mother received a call from the kindergarten saying her daughter had fallen ill. Staff explained it as a fall from the stairs. However, when parents requested the CCTV footage, they were told the cameras were not working at the time.