Kyrgyzstan: Over 8,000 children with disabilities excluded from education system

Concerns are mounting in Kyrgyzstan over the fate of more than 8,000 children with disabilities who remain outside the formal education system. The country has a total of over 37,000 children with disabilities, with more than 29,000 currently participating in various educational programs.

The Ministry of Education is prioritizing inclusive education, aiming to move away from segregation based on health conditions. Currently, approximately 19,000 children with disabilities attend regular schools, while those with severe diagnoses are enrolled in specialized institutions. An innovative online school also provides education to some students.

Lawmakers have expressed alarm at the significant number of children not accounted for in the education system. "Eight thousand children are ‘missing.’ We need proper records: what diagnoses they have, why they are not studying, and where they are located," stated MP Toktobubu Ashimbaeva. She emphasized the need for educational or socialization programs, even for children with mental disabilities.

In response, Deputy Minister of Education Nadira Dzhusupbekova acknowledged the severity of some children's conditions. She suggested the development of rehabilitation centers where teachers from nearby schools could provide lessons and assist with socialization, addressing the gap in educational access for these vulnerable children.

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Either there is a lack of coordination between state bodies, or we do not see the full picture. Eight thousand children are ‘missing.’ We need proper records: what diagnoses they have, why they are not studying, and where they are located. Even if they have mental disabilities, they should at least be included in educational or socialization programs.