Almaty Children's Home Crisis: Pupils Release Video Plea for Change
**Protests Erupt Over Relocation of Almaty's Regional Children's Home**
Residents of Regional Children's Home No. 1 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, have expressed their discontent over a recent decision to relocate the institution to Konaev. The move, which took place on July 11, 2025, has sparked protests from the children and their families, who are concerned about the welfare and stability of the children during the transition.
According to Zhanbolat, the new children's home in Konaev is modern and well-equipped, but the residents argue that it is located far from essential amenities, such as quality clinics, hospitals, and development institutions. This concern stems from the fear of disruption to the children's education, social networks, and access to services.
The education department of the Almaty region confirmed the move, citing the dilapidated state of the current orphanage as the reason. However, Fariid and the residents have criticised the state of the current orphanage and suggested major repairs or even the construction of a new one on the original site.
The residents have recorded a video appeal, asking officials, akims, commissioners, management, and other authorities to leave their children alone and provide them with a modern, family-type orphanage. Some have even suggested writing to the president as a solution, while others have expressed their disappointment with the current attitude towards children and the lack of necessary facilities like schools and kindergartens.
Majilis deputy Baktijan Bazargbek has expressed outrage over the published order to relocate the institution, reminding authorities that they had promised not to move the residents from Almaty in March. Uak suggests that officials are driven by bad money and their actions are irrational.
The residents had previously met with Marat Sultanгазиiev, Akim of Almaty region, as well as representatives of the education department and the children's rights commissioner Dinara Zakiieva, who had promised not to relocate the institution. However, it appears that certain individuals may have violated these promises for unknown reasons.
David Dulat N, a person involved in the discussion, has suggested that certain individuals are interested in the land where the orphanage is located, and that they might be violating some norms soon. Marat, another person involved in the discussion, implied that someone was after the "delicious piece" of land in Almaty.
Maraт is questioning the silence of children and youth organisations, as well as the defenders of children's rights. Yurii is expressing disappointment with the current situation, while Za pravdu believes that reaching out to the president may help, but doubts if it will make a difference due to past experiences.
The guest mentions that kids from the orphanage used to attend school with them and are attached to their caregivers. Roza, another person involved in the discussion, suggested that the building could be given to a kindergarten or school instead of being used for an elite residential complex in Konaev.
As of now, the precise status and detailed reasons behind the protests remain unclear. It is recommended to consult local news outlets or official governmental statements in Kazakhstan for accurate, up-to-date information.
- This situation has raised concerns within the realm of policy-and-legislation, as the relocation of Almaty's Regional Children's Home has sparked protests, with residents questioning the decision and arguing for better facilities.
- The protests over the relocation of Almaty's Regional Children's Home have spilled over into the politics arena, as officials are being criticized for their actions and the transparency of the decision-making process.
