private preschool support in Kazakhstan: navigating the funding landscape
authorities urged to implement policies to bolster independent preschools
In Kazakhstan, supporting its private preschool sector has emerged as a pressing concern, especially in regions that struggle with limited local budget allocations for education. Here's a breakdown of challenges faced and measures implemented to bolster this sector:
The Predicament
Scant Local Budgets
A key hurdle is the insufficient funding from local governments due to restricted budget allowances for education in many regions across Kazakhstan. This shortage has a detrimental effect on the financial sustainability of private preschools in these areas.
Privatized Funding Dominance
Akin to higher education, around 70% of funding in Kazakhstan comes from private sources, which implies an apparent reliance on private funding might be necessary for preschools. This dependence could pose a considerable challenge for less affluent regions.
Access and Equity Issues
Promoting equitable access to preschool education across the nation, particularly in remote areas characterized by scarce resources, is another significant challenge to be addressed.
The Solutions
Voucher System Expansion
The government has implemented a voucher system for preschool education, with plans to extend this program to 12 cities and 3 districts by the final quarter of 2025. This system aims to increase private preschool funding across the country.
Digitalization and Modernization
Emphasizing digitalization in education may streamline funding processes, enhance efficiency, and potentially stimulate more private investments.
Extended Coverage Objectives
The government intends to increase preschool enrollment to 95% by 2025 and 100% by 2028. This ambition might draw more private financing to regions with limited public fund resources.
International Funding Opportunities
While not explicitly stated for Kazakhstan, neighboring countries have received World Bank investments in early childhood education. This investment serves as a potential model for acquiring international funding to reinforce private preschools in resource-poor regions.
The Deputies’ Plea
Despite these efforts, the issue of insufficient funding for private preschools persists. In response, Deputy Dariya Nazarbayeva took up the matter in the Mazhilis, inquiring if additional funding would be allocated to regions struggling with local budget constraints this year. The Ministry awaits a reply.
In the ongoing discussion about private preschool support in Kazakhstan, policy-and-legislation initiatives such as the voucher system expansion and a focus on digitalization and modernization are being proposed to boost education-and-self-development in underfunded regions (The Solutions). Meanwhile, politicians like Deputy Dariya Nazarbayeva are engaging in general-news debates about insufficient funding for private preschools, pushing for policy changes that address funding shortfalls in certain regions (The Deputies’ Plea).
