Kyrgyzstan Readers Reject Six-Day School Week Proposal

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – A strong majority of readers surveyed by 24.kg oppose the Ministry of Education's proposal to reintroduce a six-day school week for students in Kyrgyzstan. The poll results indicate widespread concern that an extended school week would negatively impact students' well-being.

According to the survey, approximately 90 percent of participants, totaling 1,700 votes, stated that children are already fatigued under the current five-day academic schedule. Only 9 percent of respondents, or 185 individuals, expressed support for the ministry's initiative. A further 2 percent admitted they were indifferent to the proposed change.

The Ministry of Education intends to amend existing legislation to permit schools to implement either a five-day or a six-day weekly schedule. The ministry argues that the additional eight Saturdays throughout the academic year would be beneficial for students in grades 6-11 to fully grasp the curriculum. For younger students in grades 1-5, a five-day week would be maintained.

This proposal has faced opposition not only from the public but also from within the government. Member of Parliament Dastan Bekeshev has formally written to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, urging them to keep the current five-day school week unchanged. Kyrgyzstan previously operated on a six-day school week before a law signed by the president in 2018 reduced it to five days.