(27 February 2026 | Source: press service of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
A new concept of state policy in the sphere of childhood has been prepared in Kazakhstan, covering the period up to 2030. The document brings together existing programmes and measures of support for children into a single system.
THE CONCEPT WAS DEVELOPED ON THE INSTRUCTION OF THE PRESIDENT
At an expanded meeting of the board of the Ministry of Education, issues regarding the implementation of state policy on the protection of children's rights were considered.
It is reported that on the instruction of the Head of State, the Concept "Children of Kazakhstan" for 2026–2030 has been developed. The document forms a unified approach to childhood issues and brings together existing measures and programmes.
According to Zhuldys Suleimenova, the goal of the concept is to ensure a coordinated approach to the realisation of children's rights to education, health protection, social protection, and upbringing within the family. The areas covered also include issues of child safety and the development of psychological and social support.
STATISTICS
According to official data, 6,902,492 children live in Kazakhstan, which represents almost a third of the country's population. Over the last 10 years, their number has increased by approximately 1.5 million.
In connection with the growth of the child population, the need for further development of infrastructure and the support system is noted.
As part of the implementation of the President's instructions, 10 laws have been adopted aimed at strengthening the protection of children's rights and introducing a principle of zero tolerance towards violence. In 2025, changes were introduced to the legislation providing for administrative liability for violations of children's rights.
SUPPORT AND MEASURES
More than 237,000 children receive psychological, medical, and pedagogical assistance. Around 17,000 of them study at home.
In educational organisations, 3,800 teacher-assistants and more than 10,000 special needs teachers work.
Also, a new standard for school meals has been introduced, and control over compliance with sanitary requirements has been strengthened.
EDUCATION AND FINANCING
In the field of pre-school education, voucher financing has been introduced based on the principle "money follows the child". According to the department, this mechanism has made it possible to halve the waiting list for kindergartens and achieve savings of more than 21 billion tenge.
There are 11,900 kindergartens operating in the country, attended by around 1 million children. In addition, more than 163,000 children study in pre-school classes.
As noted, the implementation of the Concept "Children of Kazakhstan" is designed until 2030 and is aimed at the systematic development of state policy in the sphere of childhood.